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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

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http://www.archive.org/details/bibleclasstextboOOwilbrich 


THE 

BIBLE  CLASS  TEXT  BOOK  ; 

OR 

BIBLICAL    CATECHISM, 

CONTAINING    QUESTIONS 

HISTORICAL,  DOCTRINAL,  PRACTICAL, 
AND  EXPERIMENTAL. 

DESIGNED 
TO  PROMOTE  AN  INTIMATE  ACQUAINTANCE  WITH  THE 

BY  HERVEY  WILBUR,  A.  M. 


"  Search  the  Scriptures." Jesus  Christ. 

"  Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in  all 
wisdom." — Rom.  15.  4 Paul. 


EIGHTEENTH    EDITION. 

revised,  improved,  enlarged,  and  stereotyped, 
with  practical  questions  annexed 
JJRTthe  answersW'J'I 

PUBLISHED  BY  CROCKER  AND  BREWSTER, 
47,  Washington-street. 

1838'.' 


PREFACE  TO  THE  EIGHTEENTH  EDITION1,  ^-x^ 


The  impression  exists  to  some  extent  that  parents,  teachers  and 
even  ministers,  impart  less  sound  doctrinal  knowledge  to  the  young 
now,  than  they  did  fifteen  or  twenty  years  ago.  If  this  impression 
be  correct,  the  interests  of  vital  religion  are  in  danger  and  a  change 
of  measures  is  most  assuredly  needed.  It  was  once  believed  that 
the  Bible  Class  Text  Book,  was  eminently  well  adapted  to  indoc- 
trinate the  young  in  a  scriptural  and  unobjectionable  manner.  The 
author  believes  that  none  of  the  good  books  which  have  been 
recently  published,  fill  the  place  for  which  this  was  designed,  or 
render  its  use  unnecessary.  He  hopes  it  is  not  egotism  which  indu- 
ces him  to  encourage  the  continued  use  of  a  work  which  the  lamented 
Payson  used  for  the  instruction  of  his  youth  till  he  closed  his  labors. 
And  that  year  which  terminated  his  invaluable  life  added  fifty-six  to 
his  Church  from  his  Bible  Class. 

The  preface  to  the  Eleventh  Edition,  still  retained  j — the  Adver- 
tisement on  the  7th  and  8th  pages,  and  the  Notes  A  and  B  in  the 
Appendix,  will  make  known  the  manner  in  which  this  book  was 
intended  to  be  used  ;  and  names\in  it  are  good  authority  for  its  use. 

But  without  prescribing  the  details  of  the  manner  in  which  Bible 
Classes  shall  be  conducted,  we  ftel  justified  in  saying  that,  aside 
from  divinely  appointed  ordinances,  the  institution  of  Bible  Classes 
is  second  in  importance  to  no  pw»f^neans  of  grace.  To  all  the 
benevolent  institutions  and  efforpurow  existing,  which  are  the  glory 
of  our  age,  we  say,  God  speed. VjUrtj their  energies  be  increased  a 
thousandfold,  and  exert  more  influence,  than  present  patrons  ever 
anticipated.  But  that  these  glofctous  results  may  be  attained,  let  the 
enterprising  and  ardent  youth  wfco  n«^v  have  access  to  the  inspired 
volume,  become  intimately  acquainted  with  its  truths,  and  be 
habitually  governed  by  its  motives  jand  their  energies  and  their  all, 
will  be  consecrated  to  God.  Ler^lJiVle  Classes  be  organized  in 
every  paTt  of  Christendom,  and  be  watered  with  showers  of  heavenly 
influence,  and  innumerable  sprimps^oK  life  will  burst  forth.  These 
will  collect  and  accumulate  in  s^eaWL  till  the  present  pure,  but 
shallow  rivulet  of  Christian  benevolencelis  swelled  to  a  mighty  river, 
overflowing  and  fertilizing  the  earth  with  the  waters  of  salvation. 

And  now,  if  it  be  desirable  and  practicable  to  form  associations 
of  youth  for  improvement  in  Scriptural  knowledge  in  our  congrega- 
tions, and  if  the  blessing  of  God  has  almost  uniformly  attended  such 
associations  where  they  have  been  formed,  we  ask,  shall  any  pastor, 
will  an}'  pious  pastor,  neglect  so  important  a  means  of  extending  the 
kingdom  of  Christ  1  By  the  interests  of  the  Church  in  succeeding 
generations  5  by  the  love  they  bear  to  their  country,  whose  unequalled 
privileges  can  be  perpetuated  only  by  the  diffusion,  among  our 
rapidly  increasing  population,  of  the  influence  of  vital  religion  5  by 
the  value  of  the  souls  of  the  young  in  their  congregations,  and  of 
the  thousands  and  millions  who  will  be  affected  by  the  character 
they  form;  by  their  own  responsibility  to  him  who  has  said  to  his 
ministers  "  feed  my  lambs  3 ,;  we  call  upon  all  pastors  to  engage 
and  persevere  in  special  and  systematic  efforts  for  the  religious 
instruction  of  the  youth  committed  to  their  charge. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  ELEVENTH  EDITION. 


IN  presenting  the  Public  with  this  revised  edition  of  the 
Bible  Class  Text  Book,  or  Biblical  Catechism,  the  Author  re- 
news his  grateful  acknowledgments  for  that  patronage  of  this 
work,  which  has  already  circulated  about  thirty  thousand  copies. 
He  is  much  pleased  in  knowing  that  it  is  approved,  and  used 
by  the  evangelical  of  different  denominations.  It  was  his 
intention  to  give  a  systematic  classification  of  Scripture  doc- 
trines, precepts,  warnings,  and  promises, which  have  the  impress 
of  the  footsteps  of  the  flock.  It  was  never  his  design  to  quote 
all  the  passages  which  relate  to  a  particular  doctrine  or  duty, 
but  only  to  use  some  apposite  texts,  and  such  as  would  give  the 
most  connected  answer  in  the  language  which  the  Holy  Ghost 
teacheth,  and  thus  encourage  and  aid  the  young  to  classify  the 
Scriptures  for  themselves,  as  they  peruse  them.  Some  passa- 
ges which  it  might  have  been  expected,  would  have  been  in- 
serted under  one  question,  will  be  found  under  another  or  in 
the  notes,  and  it  was  thought  not  advisable  to  print  them  twice. 
A  regard  for  the  interests  of  Zion  will  justify  the  remark, 
that  in  many  places  where  associations  of  youth  have  been 
formed  for  the  systematic  study  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  man- 
ner recommended  in  this  work,  there  has  been  a  deep  and  gen- 
eral seriousness  among  the  young  presently  manifested.  The 
-  Holy  Spirit  has  blessed  the  social  study  of  eternal  truth 
for  giving  more  efficiency  to  a  preached  Gospel.  Besides  it 
ought  to  be  known  that  wherever  the  attempt  has  been  made 
to  form  such  classes,  a  large  proportion  of  the  young  have  been 
-easily  collected  for  this  purpose.  In  single  Congregations  from 
one  to  two  hundred  youths  are  not  unfrequently  engaged.  The 
very  circumstance  of  bringing  his  youth  in  direct  contact  with 
a  serious  and  judicious  Pastor,  who  tenderly  loves  their  souls, 
may  be  a  great  blessing  to  them.  The  recent  formation  of  Bi- 
ble classes  on  conspicuous  parts  of  Zion's  walls,  with  the  bles- 
sing of  Heaven  which  has  attended  them,  it  is  hoped  will  give 
a  new  impulse  to  their  formation  in  other  sections  of  the  coun- 
try. And  as  a  new  Edition  of  the  Manual  which  has  so  gene- 
rally been  used  in  them,  was  needed,  it  has  been  carefully  re- 
vised, with  some  enlargement.  That  it  might  be  afforded  in 
good  half-binding,  as  low  as  it  had  before  been  sold,  in  marble 
covers,  notwithstanding  the  additional  amount  of  matter,  inclu- 


IV  RECOMMENDATIONS. 

ding  nearly  four  hundred  practical  questions,  now  annexed  to 
the  answers,  it  wa«  thought  advisable  to  stereotype  the  work, 
believing  that  the  same  reasons  which  have  induced  the  Chris- 
tian Public  to  patronize  it  where  it  has  been  known,  will  in- 
crease its  circulation  still  more  extensively,  and  thus  indemnify 
the  expense  of  stereotyping.  It  is  believed  that  the  older  pu- 
pils in  Sabbath  schools,  would  be  profited  by  a  classification 
of  the  portions  of  Scripture  which  they  commit  to  memory,  and 
that  the  practical  questions  now  attached  to  the  work  will  aid 
Sabbath  school  Teachers  in  enforcing  and  applying  religious 
truths. 

That  HE  with  whom  is  the  residue  of  the  Spirit  would  cause 
it  to  subserve  his  glory,  and  the  welfare  of  Zion's  hopes,  is  the 
desire  of  the 

AUTHOR. 


RECOMMENDATIONS  by  the  rev.  clergy. 
Having  examined  Mr.  Wilbur's  plan  for  a  Biblical  Cat- 
echism, we  think  it  judicious  ;  the  portion  which  is  completed, 
we  entirely  approve,  and  have  no  doubt,  the  whole  will  make 
a  useful  publication,  highly  deserving  the  attention  of  private 
families,  of  schools,  and  such  societies  of  young  persons  as  may 
be  formed  for  the  important  purposes  of  religious  instruction  and 
improvement. 

Samuel  Spring,  D.  D.  Newburyport. 

Edward  D.  Griffin,  D.  D.  Boston. 

Wm.  F.  Rowland,  Exeter. 

John  H.  Church,  Pelham,  N.  H. 

Josiah  Webster,  Hampton. 

James  Miltimore,  Newbury. 

Jonathan  Allen,  Bradford. 

Daniel  Dow,  Thompson,  Conn. 

Walter  Harris,  Dunbarton,  N.  H. 

Vinson  Gould,  S.  Hampton,  Mass. 

Sylvester  Dana,  Orford,  N.  H 

John  Smith,  Salem,  N.  H. 


Having  attended  to  Mr.  Wilbur's  Biblical  Catechism, 
we  think  the  questions  most  important ;  and  the  texts  in  the 
answers  judiciously  selected.  The  work  in  our  view  is  well 
calculated  to  produce  serious  impressions  on  the  minds  of  chil- 
dren  and  youth :    and  to   give  them  rational  and  scriptural 


RECOMMENDATIONS.  V 

views  of  the  doctrines  and  duties  of  our  holy  Religion.  We, 
therefore,  freely  recommend  it  to  Parents,  to  the  Teachers  of 
Schools,  and  Ministers  of  the  gospel  as  a  useful  Tract  to  aid 
them  in  the  religious  culture  of  children  and  youth  under  their 
care. 

Elijah  Parish,  D.  D.  Byefield. 

James  P.  Wilson,  D.  D.  Philadelphia. 

William  Balch,  Salisbury. 

Isaac  Tompkins,  Haverhill. 

Tho.  A.  Merrill,  Middlebury,  Vt. 

Walter  Chapin,  Woodstock,  Vt. 


Newbury  port,  Sept.  26,  1812. 

Dear  Sir 1  have  examined  as  far  as  practicable  your 

Biblical  Catechism.  The  design  I  think  highly  interesting  • 
and  the  execution  generally  judicious.  Whatever  tends  to 
attract  the  attention  of  children  and  youth  to  the  sacred  vol- 
ume, must  be  beneficial.  Nor  can  any  form  of  religious  in- 
struction be  either  so  useful,  or  so  unexceptionable,  as  that 
wh:ch  leads  the  pupil  to  draw  all  his  sentiments  from  a  perfect 
and  infallible  source- 
Wishing  that  your  intended  publication  may  meet  the  pat- 
ronage of  the  public,  and  be  crowned  with  the  divine  blessing. 
I  am  sincerely  yours,  DANIEL  DANA. 


West-Springjield,  Nov.  19,  1812. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  thank  you  for  your  Biblical  Catechism.  On  a  perusal  of 
it,  I  think  it  a  valuable  and  useful  Tract,  well  adapted  to  the 
instruction  and  edification  of  such  youths  as  are  capable  of  un- 
derstanding the  questions  and  applying  the  references.  The 
questions  are  important,  and  plainly  stated,  and  the  references 
pertinent.  Your  method  of  instruction,  while  it  leads  to  an  ac- 
quaintance with  the  doctrines  of  religion,  tends  to  improvement 
in  ecriptural  knowledge.  I  am,  sir,  your  obliged 

Humble  servant, 

JOSEPH  LATHROP. 


Philadelphia,  March  31,  1813. 
Having  examined  Mr.  Wilbur's  Biblical  Catechism,  I  think 
the  plan  interesting,  and  well  adapted  to  promote  an  acquaint- 
A2 


V 1  RECOMMENDATIONS. 

ancc  with  the  Scriptures.  The  questions  are  well  selected  and 
arranged  to  impress  on  the  minds  of  youth  the  leading  doctrines 
of  the  Bible.  Parents  will  find  it  useful  in  the  education  of 
their  children.  Societies  formed  on  this  plan  must  be  highly 
beneficial  to  youth,  and  promise  much  good  to  the  church.  I 
freely  recommend  it  to  the  patronage  of  the  pious. 

EZRA  FISK. 


Princeton,  June  1,  1813. 

I  cheerfully  add  my  testimony  to  that  of  others,  in  favour  of 
Mr.  Wilbur's  m  Biblical  Catechism"  as  an  excellent  manual 
in  the  religious  instruction  of  children  and  youth. 

ASHBEL  GREEN. 


Extract  from  a  review  in  the  Panophst  for  April,  1813. 

Mr.  Wilbur  has  executed  his  plan  in  such  a  manner,  as  to 

deserve  the  approbation  of  the  Christian  public. The 

questions  are  important,  the  texts  referred  to  generally  apposite 
and  suited  to  impress  the  true  answer  on  the  mind,  and  the  ef- 
fect of  teaching  this  catechism  to  the  young,  or  rather  inducing 
the  young  to  teach  themselves  by  the  use  of  it,  can  hardly  be 
otherwise  than  good.  We  have  examined  all  the  references 
which  are  intended  to  be  committed  to  memory.  They  form  a 
precious  treasury  of  jewels  taken  from  the  inexhaustible  mine 
of  Scripture.  To  have  them  deposited  in  the  memories  of 
young  persons,  must  be  a  most  desirable  reward  for  the  labour 
of  collecting  and  arranging  them. 

The  principal  design  of  the  author  in  composing  this  Cate- 
chism, was  to  benefit  young  persons,  associated  for  the  purpose 
of  studying  the  Scriptures  together  in  Catechetical  Societies,  a 
constitution  for  which  is  prefixed  to  the  work.  Twenty  such 
societies  have  been  formed  we  are  told,  and  have  experienced 
essential  advantage  by  consulting  this  little  manual.  A  large 
portion  of  the  members  have  produced  answers  to  questions, 
selected  for  the  purpose,  in  the  form  of  written  compositions. 
The  manifest  tendency  of  such  a  course  is  to  make  the  learner 
familiar  with  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  and  while  his  memory  is 
strengthened,  and  his  mind  expanded,  by  studying  the  mo- 
mentous truths  there  revealed,  his  conscience  may  be  awak 
ene<l,  and,  by  a  Divine  blessing,  his  heart  renewed. 


ADVERTISEMENT.  VII 

Dear  Sir,  Salem,  JLugust  15,  1816. 

Nothing"  can  be  of  higher  importance,  than  that  the  minds  of 
young  persons  be  early  and  deeply  imbued  with  the  Holy 
Scriptures.  For  this  interesting  purpose,  I  know  of  no  general 
plan  which  promises  more,  than  the  one  set  forth  in  your  "Bib- 
lical Catechism,"  and  illustrated  and  enforced  in  your  M  Dis- 
course on  the  Religious  Education  of  Youth."  Portions  of  the 
Scriptures,  judiciously  selected  and  arranged  under  general 
and  particular  heads,  comprising  the  leading  doctrines  and  pre 
cepts,  warnings  and  encouragements  of  religion,  must  enrich 
the  young  mind  vastly  more  when  committed  to  memory,  than 
equal  quantities  of  scripture,  taken  either  promiscuously,  or  in 
course.  The  catechetical  form  has  also  very  evident  advantages  ; 
and  associations  for  catechetical  exercises  must  eminently  serve 
to  engage  attention,  to  excite  interest,  to  quicken  the  faculties, 
and  to  promote  improvement.  May  the  Lord  prosper  your 
endeavours,  for  the  everlasting  benefit  of  the  generation  now 
rising,  and  of  generations  to  come. 

Very  affectionately  yours,  S.  WORCESTER. 


While  the  united,  laudable,  and  increasing  exertions  to  cir- 
culate the  BIBLE  among  the  destitute,  rejoice  the  hearts  oi 
Zion's  friends,  they,  doubtless,  will  not  despise  a  humble  at 
tempt  to  promote  among  those  who  possess  this  invaluable 
treasure,  a  more  intimate  acquaintance  with  u  the  holy  Scrip- 
tures, which  are  able  to  make"  us,  w  wise  unto  salvation  through 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus."  The  subsequent  Catechism 
was  designed  particularly  for  the  use  of  the  young,  formed  in 
associations  for  the  laudable  purpose  of  replenishing  their  minds 
with  a  knowledge  of  the  doctrines,  duties,  v/arnings,  promises, 
and  consolations  of  our  holy  religion.  Regular  Society  meet- 
ings of  young  people,  for  religious  mental  improvement,  might 
be  rendered  deeply  interesting  and  highly  useful.  They  would 
be  cheap,  safe,  honourable,  and  profitable  substitutes  for  par- 
ties entirely  devoted  to  vanity.* 

Such  as  are  disposed  to  write  answers  to  questions,  which 
constitute  the  lessons  of  the  Class,  may  consult  the  references 
connected  with  the  questions,  and  "  search  the  Scriptures"  for 
other  appropriate  passages.  Thus  they  would  improve  them- 
selves in  composition  and  religious  knowledge  by  digesting, 
and  committing  their  ideas  to  paper,  and  improve  others  by 

*  Dear  immortals  :  "  Doth  not  WISDOM  cry ?"  Jonah  2. 
8.  Prov.  8.  10,  11,  32—36.  and  3.  1—18. 


Vlll  ADDRESS. 

communicating  them.  Society  members  who  choose  not  to 
write  may  commit  to  memory  the  references  which  precede 
the  parallel,  and  thus  answer  the  questions  by  storing  their 
minds  with  scriptural  truths  in  the  language  of  inspiration.  The 
first  sets  of  references  are  selected  to  form  in  scripture  language, 
connected  appropriate  answers  to  the  questions,  and  may  be 
committed  to  memory  as  such.  Children  in  families  and  schools 
may  successfully  and  profitably  adopt  this  method  of  using  the 
Biblical  Catechism.  The  proposed  exercises,  tend  to  strength- 
en the  memories,  enlarge  and  invigorate  the  understandings, 
correct  and  improve  the  taste,  and  to  affect  the  hearts  of 
the  young.  Persons  of  more  mature  age  whose  leisure  and 
inclination  permit,  may  be  highly  useful  to  the  young  by  writ- 
ing judicious  answers  to  such  questions  as  they  please  to  select, 
and  admitting  their  answers  to  be  read  before  a  Bible  Class,  or 
before  their  domestic  circles.  By  Preceptors  it  has  been  sug- 
gested that  beginners  in  composition  at  academies  might  de- 
rive particular  assistance  from  this  Work.  The  question  would 
serve  to  fix  their  attention  to  one  point.  The  references  would 
furnish  them  with  ideas  which  they  might  easily  clothe  in  their 
own  language,  while  their  attention  to  scripture  truths  would 
enrich  their  minds  with  important  knowledge.  It  has  likewise 
been  suggested  by  learned  Fathers  in  the  ministry,  that  this 
Work,  with  a  Divine  blessing,  would  have  a  tendency  to  arouse 
the  attention  of  all  classes  to  the  written  and  dispensed  word 
of  God,  and  might  be  profitably  used  in  religious  Conferences, 
or  as  a  Common-place  text  book.  Finally  if  it  prove  but  one 
mite  in  the  treasury  of  useful,  knowledge,  if  it  bo 
made  instrumental  of  assisting  any  in  drawing  M  the  water  of 
life  from  the  wells  of  salvation,"  it  will  furnish  occasion  for 
lively  gratitude  both  in  the  Reader  and  in  the       AUTHOR. 


ADDRESS 

TO  A  BIBLE  CLASS. 

Ye  dear  Youth, 

I  congratulate  you  on  exchanging  the  vain  empty  pursuits 
which  so  commonly  engross  the  attention  of  the  young,  for  the 
cultivation  of  your  minds  in  moral  and  religious  knowledge; — 
knowledge  calculated  to  render  you  amiable,  honourable,  use- 
ful, and  happy  through  life  : — knoweldge  which  will  endure 
when  human  science  shall  be  no  more. 

Ye  dear  members  of  this  Biblical  Association,  Thus  far 
you  have  done  well.  Persevere  in  welldoing.  "  Dearly 
beloved,"  "  Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in  all 


ADDRESS.  IX 

wisdom."  Continue  to  M  Search  the  Scriptures."  They  are  able 
to  make  you  wise  unto  salvation  through  faith  in  Christ  Jesus." 

Search  them.  Never  peruse  them  so  carelessly  as  to  leave 
no  ideas  in  the  understanding, — no  impressions  on  the  heart. 

Search  them  daily.  Not  content  with  having  drank  y ester 
day;  slake  your  thirst  each  day  at  the  streams  of  that  river 
which  makes  glad  the  city  of  God. 

Search  them  carefully.  By  comparing  spiritual  things  with  spi 
ritual  you  may  clearly  ascertain  what  is  truth  and  what  is  duty. 

Search  them  with  candour.  Do  not  seek  support  from  the 
Scriptures  for  sentiments,  merely  because  they  are  pleasing  to 
you  ;  but  repair  to  the  oracles  of  God,  determined  to  adopt  no 
sentiments  but  what  the  Scriptures  inculcate  : — no  sentiments 
displeasing  to  God  and  ruinous  to  souls. 

Search  them  with  confidence  in  their  authenticity  and  inspira- 
tion. If  you  view  them  as  M  cunningly  devised  fables"  they 
will  profit  you  nothing. 

Search  them  with  the  deepest  interest.  The  mathematician 
collects  and  binds  his  wandering  thoughts  merely  to  solve  a 
problem  in  Euclid.  How  much  more  profound  attention  the 
Scriptures  demand.  They  contain  the  charter  of  the  Saints'* 
inheritance,  and  the  death  warrant  of  impenitent  Sinners. 

Search  them  with  pray erj ulness.  Without  prayer,  the  Bible 
will  prove  a  sealed  book.  Human  wisdom  knows  not  God. 
But  if  the  illuminating  inlluences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  beam  on  the 
page  of  inspiration,  you  will  understand  the  truths  and  discover 
the  beauties  of  the  Sacred  Volume. 

Search  the  Scriptures  with  self -application.  Ever  bear  in 
mind  when  perusing  the  word  of  God,  that  Jehovah, whose  char- 
acter is  there  revealed  is  your  Maker,  your  daily  Benefactor, 
your  Redeemer,  and  your  Judge.  Let  your  mind  ever  be  ten- 
derly alive  to  the  Scriptural  exhibition  of  human  depravity,— the 
requirements  and  denunciations  of  God1s  law, — the  invitations 
and  promises  of  the  Gospel.  Remember  that  immutable  truths 
are  revealed  in  the  Scriptures  in  which  you  as  individuals  are 
deeply  and  eternally  concerned. 

Need  I  spread  before  you  motives  to  stimulate  you,  rightly  and 
devoutly  to  study  your  Bible.  Thus  to  "  Search  the  Scriptures  is 
honourable,  is  useful,  is  conducive  to  happiness,  and  is  a  com- 
mand of  God." 

The  study  of  the  Scriptures  is  honourable.  In  them  the 
Supreme  Ruler  of  the  universe  has  dictated  by  his  Spirit,  and 
written  as  with  his  own  hand,  epistles  of  love  in  characters  of 
blood,  offering  to  the  penitent  and  believing  an  interest  in  his 
holy  favour,  an  adoption  into  the  family  of  heaven  and  immor- 
tal crowns  of  righteousness  and  glory ;  and  are  not  your  honour, 


X  ADDRESS. 

your  wisdom,  and  your  interest,  concerned  that  they  should 
daily  meet  your  eyes,  affect  your  hearts,  and  regulate  your  lives  ? 

It  is  highly  useful  rightly  to  search  the  Scriptures.  It  en- 
livens the  imagination,  corrects  the  taste,  enriches  the  under 
standing,  keeps  the  heart  and  mends  the  life.  It  will  humble 
you  in  prosperity,  support  you  in  adversity,  disarm  death  of  his 
sting,  and  the  grave  of  its  terrors.  And  from  the  armoury  of 
heaven  you  may  replenish  your  minds  with  weapons  to  subdue 
every  inbred  corrupt  propensity.  The  u  sword  of  the  Spirit1' 
ensures  the  victory. 

Devoutly  to  study  the  Scriptures  is  conducive  to  happiness. 
Wisdom's  ways  are  pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths  are  peace. 
The  consolations  of  God's  word  are  abundant  and  suited  to 
every  circumstance  in  which  the  humble  believer  can  be  placed. 

Finally,  Starch  the  Scriptures  is  a  command  of  Christ.  He 
that  knows  his  Lord's  will  and  does  it  not  shall  be  beaten,  shall 
be  beaten  with  many  stripes. 

My  young  friends,  Is  it  illusion  or  are  your  countenances  ex- 
pressive of  a  determination  devoutly  to  study  your  Bibles.  I 
rejoice  that  the  most  of  you  are  engaged  to  become  acquainted 
with  the  letter  of  the  Scriptures.  I  more  rejoice  in  the  belief 
that  some  of  you  are  acquainted  with  the  power  and  consolation 
of  God's  word.  I  believe  that  some  of  you  do,  and  will  con- 
tinue devoutly  to  search  the  Scriptures.  Through  love  and 
obedience  to  them,  I  hope  to  see  such  shine  as  the  brightness 
of  the  firmament  for  ever. 

My  fears  distress  me  lest  the  faint  resolutions  of  some  this 
evening  will  prove  but  momentary.  I  almost  tremble  lest  many 
of  you  will  never  search  the  Scriptures  with  faith,  self-applica- 
tion, and  prayerfulness.  The  seriousness,  the  solemnity,  which 
has  been  manifested  by  you,  my  dear  young  friends,  has  raised 
hopes  that  God  was  about  to  pluck  more  of  you  as  brands 
from  everlasting  burnings,  and  put  songs  of  deliverance  into 
your  mouths.  Must  these  fond  hopes  be  blasted  ?  By  the  worth 
of  your  immortal  souls,  by  the  solemnities  of  a  hastening  judg- 
ment— by  the  joys  of  heaven  and  the  miseries  of  hell,  I  beseech 
you  immediately  to  make  your  peace  with  God.  By  the  ago- 
nies, the  groans,  and  the  death  of  the  Son  of  God, — by  his  abil- 
ity and  readiness  to  save  penitent  sinners,  and  his  power  and 
determination  to  punish  the  impenitent,  I  conjure  you  to  flee 
from  impending  wrath,  and  embrace  the  hope  of  the  Gospel. 

Do  any  of  you  weep  in  view  of  your  guilty,  wretched,  help- 
less condition.  God  grant  that  the  tears  of  penitence  may  flow 
from  your  eyes,  and  the  consolation  of  the  Gospel  be  poured 
into  your  bosoms.  Ye  dear  youth,  It  is  my  heart's  desire  and 
prayer  to  God  for  you  all,  that  you  may  be  saver1- 


A 

BIBLICAL  CATECHISM. 


While  the  creature  is  committing  the  sacred  Scriptures 
to  memory,  who  knows  but  the  CREATOR  may 
renew  the  heart? 

2  Tim.  3.  14,  15.  But  continue  thou  in  the  things 
which  thou  hast  learned,  and  hast  been  assured  of, 
knowing  of  whom  thou  hast  learned  them ;  And  that 
from  a  child  thou  hast  known  the  holy  Scriptures,  which 
are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation  through  faith 
which  is  in  Jesus  Christ. 

EccL  11.  6.  In  the  morning  sow  thy  seed,  and  in 
the  evening  withhold  not  thine  hand  ;  for  thou  know- 
est  not  whether  shall  prosper ;  either  this  or  that,  or 
whether  they  both  shall  be  alike  good. 

Deut.  11.  18,  19.  Therefore  shall  ye  lay  up  these 
my  words  in  your  heart,  and  in  your  soul,  and  bind 
them  for  a  sign  upon  your  hand,  that  they  may  be  as 
frontlets  between  your  eyes.  And  ye  shall  teach  them 
your  children  speaking  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in 
thine  house,  and  when  thou  walkestby  the  way,  when 
thou  liest  down,  and  when  thou  risest  up. 

Ps.  34.  11.  Come,  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me,  I 
will  teach  you  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  (a) 

Question  1.   What  END  should  regulate  all  our  conduct  ? 

Ye  shall  give  glory  unto  the  God  of  Israel.-  Whether  there- 
fore ye  eat  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory 
of  God.-  And  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  it  heartily  as  unto  the 
Lord,  and  not  unto  men.-  For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and 
to  him,  are  all  things :  to  whom  be  glory  forever,  Amen.  1 
Sam.  6.  5.  1  Cor.  10.  31.  Col.  3.  23.  Rom.  11.  36.  (b)  ||  Is. 
48.  11.  Ps.  29.  2.  Mai.  2.  2.  1  Pet.  4.  11.  Rom.  12.  1,  2.  1 
Cor.  6.  20.  Rev.  4.  11. 

(a)  See  Appendix,  Note  A.       (b)  See  Appendix,  Note  B. 


12 

Is  it  wise  or  sale  to  disregard  this  k.\i>  ?  Have  vol  regarded, 
or  disregarded  it  ?   Why  will  you  not  daily  regard  it  ? 

2.  How  can  feeble,  polluted  worms,  promote  the  declarative 
glory  of  God  ? 

\\  hoso  oifereth  praise  glorifieth  me.-  Give  unto  the  Lord  the 
glory  due  unto  his  name  ;  worship  the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of 
holiness.-  Confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of 
God  the  Father.-  Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that 
they  may  see  your  good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which 
is  in  heaven.-  Herein  is  my  Father  glorified,  that  ye  bear  much 
fruit.  Ps.  50.  23.  and  29.  2.  Phil.  2.  11.  Mat.  5.  16.  John.  15.  8. 
||  1  Chron.  16.  28.  Phil.  1.  11.  Rom.  15.  5,  6.  2  Cor.  4.  15. 

Have  you  attempted,  or  even  desired,  thus  to  glorify  God  ? 
Or  have  you  sought  only  your  own  selfish  honour,  interest,  and 
pleasure  ? 

3.  How  do  you  prove  from  the  light  of  nature  that  there  is 
a  God? 

The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God;  and  the  firmament 
sheweth  his  handy  work.  Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and 
night  unto  night  sheweth  knoweldge.  There  is  no  speech  nor 
language,  where  their  voice  is  not  heard. — Because  that  which 
may  be  known  of  God,  is  manifest  in  them;  for  God  hath 
shewed  it  unto  them.  For  the  invisible  things  of  him  from  the 
creation  of  the  world  are  clearly  seen,  being  understood  by  the 
things  that  are  made,  even  his  eternal  power  and  Godhead;  so 
that  tney  are  without  excuse.  Ps.  19.  1 — 3.  Rom.  1.  19,  20, 
II  Ps.  8.  3,  4.  and  33.  5—9.  and  104.  24—31.  ||  Is.  40.  26.  Jer. 
10.  10—13. 

Have  you  traced  the  perfections  of  God  in  creation  and 
providence?  Have  you  loved  this  employment? 

4  What  general  duties  are  obvious  from  the  light  of  nature? 

Ascribe  ye  greatness  unto  our  God. — Praise  him  according^ 
his  excellent  greatness. — Fear  before  him,  all  the  earth. — He 
that  planted  the  ear.,  shall  he  not  hear  ?  he  that  formed  the  eye, 
shall  he  not  see  ?  he  that  teacheth  man  knowledge,  shall  not 
he  know  ? — O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works  !  in  wisdom 
hast  thou  made  them  all :  the  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches. — 
Whoso  is  wise,  and  will  observe  these  things,  even  they  shall 
understand  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord.  Deut.  32.  3.  Ps. 
150.  2.  1  Chron.  16.  30.  Ps.  94.  9,  10.  and  104.  24.  and  107.  43. 
II  1  Chron.  16.  25.  Ps.  145.  3.  and  107.  31. 

Have  you  been  led  by  the  works  of  God,  to  adore,  fear,  and 
praise  him  ?  Where  have  any  sinful  beings  been  induced  by  the 
light  of  nature  alone  to  exercise  any  truly  devout  affections  ? 


13 

5.  By  whom,  and  for  what  purpose,  were  the  Scriptures 
given  ? 

All  scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable 
for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righte- 
ousness. That  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly 
furnished  unto  all  good  works.-  Knowing  this  first,  that  no 
prophecy  of  the  scripture  is  of  any  private  interpretation.  For 
the  prophecy  came  not  in  old  time  by  the  will  of  man ;  but 
holy  men  of  God  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy 
Ghost.-  But  these  are  written,  that  ye  might  believe  that  Je- 
sus is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God  ;  and  that  believing  ye 
might  have  life  through  his  name,  2  Tim.  3.  16,  17.  2  Pet.  1. 
20,  21.  John  20.  31.  ||  Ps.  119.  105.  Heb.  1.  1,  2.  Acts  20. 
32.  John  17,  26. 

Have  you  treated  the  Bible  as  a  message  from  God  to  you  ? 
Has  it  made  you  wise  unto  salvation  ? 

6.  What  are  the  internal  evidences  that  the  Scriptures  are 
the  word  of  God  ? 

The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the  soul,  the  tes- 
timony of  the  Lord  is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple.  The 
statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right,  rejoicing  the  "heart :  The  com- 
mandment of  the  Lord  is  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes.  The  fear 
of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring  forever ;  the  judgments  of  the 
Lord  are  true  and  righteous  altogether.  More  to  be  desired 
are  they  than  gold,  yea,  than  much  fine  gold :  Sweeter  also 
than  honey,  and  the  honey-comb.-  Thy  testimonies  are  won- 
derful :  therefore  doth  my  soul  keep  them.  The  entrance  of 
thy  words  giveth  light ;  it  giveth  understanding  unto  the  sim- 
ple. This  is  my  comfort  in  my  affliction ;  for  thy  word  hath 
quickened  me.  Ps.  19.  7—10.  and  119,  129,  130,  50.  ||  and 
119.  103 — 105.  Evidences  may  be  drawn  from  the  effects  pro- 
duced by  Divine  truth.  Heb.  4.  12.  Jer.  5.  14.  and  23.  29. 
Ps.  119.  98,  99.  The  unrivalled  sublimity  of  their  language, 
harmony  of  their  doctrines,  and  purity  of  their  precepts,  prove 
them  of  Divine  origin.     Deut.  4.  8. 

Have  you  felt  that  you  have  a  soul  which  needs  convert- 
ing grace  ?  Have  you  esteemed  the  word  of  God  precious,  be- 
cause it  is  pure,  and  purifying  ? 

7.^  Have  we  external  evidence  that  the  Scriptures  were  giv- 
en by  inspiration  of  God  ? 

1.  We  have  prophecy  and  its  fulfilment. 

The  prophet  which  prophesieth  of  peace,  when  the  word  of 
the  prophet  cometh  to  pass,  then  shall  the  prophet  be  known 
B 


14 

that  the  Lord  hath  truly  sent  him.-  When  a  prophet  speaketh 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  if  the  thing  follow  not,  nor  come  to 
pass,  that  is  the  thing-  which  the  Lord  hath  not  spoken,  but 
the  prophet  hath  spoken  it  presumptuously ;  thou  shalt  not  be 
afraid  of  him.—  Seventy  weeks  are  determined  upon  thy  peo- 
ple, and  upon  thy  holy  city,  to  finish  the  transgression,  and  to 
make  an  end  of  sins,  and  to  make  reconciliation  for  iniquity, 
and  to  bring  in  everlasting  righteousness,  and  to  seal  up  the 
vision  and  prophecy,  and  to  anoint  the  Most  Holy.  He  was 
oppressed,  and  he  was  afflicted,  yet  he  opened  not  his  mouth : 
he  is  brought  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and  as  a  sheep  before 
her  shearers  is  dumb,  so  he  openeth  not  his  mouth.-  He  was 
taken  from  prison  and  from  judgment :  and  who  shall  declare 
his  generation?  for  he  was  cut  off  out  of  the  land  of  the  living: 
for  the  transgression  of  my  people  was  he  stricken.  And  he 
made  his  grave  with  the  wicked,  and  with  the  rich  in  his  death  ; 
because  he  had  done  no  violence,  neither  was  any  deceit  in  his 
mouth. 

Compared  with  gal.  4.  4,  5,  &c. 

But  when  the  fulness  of  the  time  was  come,  God  sent  forth 
his  Sojv,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law.  To  redeem 
them  that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive  the  adop- 
tion of  sons.-  And  the  chief  priests  accused  him  of  many 
things  ;  but  he  answered  nothing.  And  when  they  had  mock- 
ed him,  they  took  off  the  purple  robe  from  him,  and  put  his 
own  clothes  on  him,  and  led  him  out  to  crucify  him.  And 
with  him  they  crucify  two  thieves  ;  the  one  on  the  right  handT 
and  the  other  on  the  left.  And  now  when  the  even  was  come, 
Joseph  of  Arimathea,  an  honourable  counsellor,  which  also 
waited  for  the  kingdom  of  God,  came,  and  went  in  boldly  un- 
to Pilate,  and  craved  the  body  of  Jesus.  And  he  bought  fine 
linen,  and  took  him  down,  and  wrapped  him  in  the  linen,  and 
laid  him  in  a  sepulchre  which  was  hewn  out  of  a  rock,  and 
rolled  a  stone  unto  the  door  of  the  sepulchre.  Jer.  28.  9. 
Deut.  18.  22.  Dan.  9.  24.  Is.  53.  7—9.  Compared  with  Gal.  4, 
4,  5.  Mark  15.  3,  20,  27,  42,  43,  46.  ||  Deut.  18.  15.  Is.  40.  3, 
and  7.  14.  and  61.  1,  2.  and  35.  5,  6.  Zech.  9.  9.  fs.  2.  2.  and 

22.  7,  8,  18.  and  16.  10.  Compared  with  John  6.  14.  Mat.  3.  3. 
and  1.  22.  23.  Luke  4.  18,  19,  21.  and  7.  20—22.  John  12 
14—16.  Acts  4.  25—28.  Mat.  27.  35,  39—43.  Acts  2.  25—32 
||  Deut.  28.  45,  49—57.  Luke  21.  5—24.  Compared  with  Jo- 
sephus'  wars  of  the  Jews.  John  5.  36.  Acts  2.  22,  32. 

2ndly.  We  have  the  miracles  of  Christ. 

To  notice  a  few  of  them.     Christ  healed  the  sick,  Mat.  4 

23,  24.  cured  blindness,  Mark  10.  52.  deafness,  Mark  7.  32. 


15 

lameness,  John  5.  7 — 9.  leprosy,  Luke  17.  14.  and  palsy.,  Luke 
5.  18 — 25.  He  cast  out  evil  spirits,  Mark  1.  34.  calmed  the  tem- 
pest, Luke  8.  23,  24.  and  raised  the  dead  to  life.  John  11. 
43,  44. 

3dly.  We  have  the  miracles  or  Christ's  servants. 

Moses,  Joshua,  and  other  prophets,  wrought  an  astonishing 
series  of  miracles  in  the  presence  of  thousands  of  competent 
witnesses.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  Apostles.  Heb.  2. 
4.  Acts  5.  12 — 16.  The  truth  of  Scripture  history  is  confirm 
ed  by  commemorative  institutions.  Ex.  13.  8—10.  1  Cor.  11 
26.  Existing  facts  corroborate  the  Scripture  history.  Marine 
productions  on  the  tops  of  mountains  corroborate  the  history 
of  the  flood :  variety  of  languages, — the  confusion  of  tongues, 
— the  putrid  waters  of  the  Dead  Sea, — the  destruction  ol 
Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  &c. 

How  can  any  be  speculative  infidels?  How  dare  any  of 
you  be  practical  infidels  ?  Does  either  of  these  characters  be- 
long to  you?  Let  conscience  be  faithful. 

8.  What  is  God,  and  what  is  the  duration  of  his  existence  ? 

God  is  a  spirit,  and  they  that  worship  him,  must  worship 
him  in  spirit  and  in  truth.-  How  great  are  his  signs  !  and  how 
mighty  are  his  wonders !  his  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  king- 
dom, and  his  dominion  is  from  generation  to  generation.-  Now 
unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  invisible,  the  only  wise  God, 
be  honour  and  glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen.  John  4.  24. 
Dan.  4.  3.  1  Tim.  1.  17.  ||  Ps.  90.  2.  Mai.  3.  2.  1  Kings  8.  27. 
Rom.  16.  27.  Ex.  34.  6,  7.  1  John  1.  5.  and  4.  16. 

Do  you  realize  how  little  you  can  know  of  God  while  in  the 
body  ?  Does  the  desire  and  hope  of  knowing  more  of  him  in 
eternity,  tend  to  reconcile  you  to  death  ? 

9.  How  is  divine  knowledge  described  in  the  Scriptures  ? 

O  Lord  thou  hast  searched  me,  and  known  me.  Thou 
knowest  my  downsitting  and  mine  uprising !  thou  understand- 
est  my  thought  afar  off.  Thou  compassest  my  path  and  my 
lying  down,  and  art  acquainted  with  all  my  ways.  For  there 
is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue,  but,  lo,  O  Lord,  thou  knowest  it 
altogether.  Thou  hast  beset  me  behind  and  before,  and  laid 
thine  hand  upon  me.  Such  knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for 
me ;  it  is  high,  I  cannot  attain  unto  it.  Whither  shall  I  go 
from  thy  Spirit  ?  or  whither  shall  I  flee  from  thy  presence  ?  If 
I  ascend  up  into  heaven,  thou  art  there  :  if  I  make  my  bed  in 
hell,  behold,  thou  art  there.  If  I  take  the  wings  of  the 
morning,  and  dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea;  Even 
there  shall  thy  hand  lead  me,  and  thy  right  hand  shall  hold 


16 

me.  If  I  say,  surely  the  darkness  shall  cover  me ;  even  the 
night  shall  be  light  about  me.  Yea,  the  darkness  hideth  not 
from  thee  ;  but  the  night  shineth  as  the  day :  the  darkness  and 
the  light  are  both  alike  to  thee.-  Known  unto  God  are  all  his 
works  from  the  beginning  of  the  world.-  Neither  is  there  are 
any  creature  that  is  not  manifest  in  his  sight :  but  all  things 
are  naked  and  opened  unto  the  eyes  of  him  with  whom  we 
have  to  do.  Ps.  139.  1—12.  Acts  15.  18.  Heb.  4.  13.  ||  Ps.  17. 
3.  and  44.  21.  Job  34.  21,  22.  Prov.  15.  3.  Jer.  23.  24. 

Do  you  habitually  realize,  "  Thou  God  seest  me  ?"  Has 
this  truth  a  purifying  influence  on  your  heart  and  on  your  life  ? 

Does  not  Omniscience  behold  you  as  now  living,-  now  dy- 
ing,— now  buried,-  now  rising  and  receiving  your  final  doom  ? 

10.  Does  God  declare  himself  unchangeable  in  his  nature,  and 
immutable  in  his  counsels  ? 

For  I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not ;  therefore  ye  sons  of  Jacob 
are  not  consumed.—  Declaring  the  end  from  the  beginning,  and 
from  ancient  times  the  things  that  are  not  yet  done,  saying,  my 
counsel  shall  stand,and  I  will  do  all  my  pleasure.-  There  are  ma- 
ny devices  in  a  man's  heart ;  nevertheless  the  counsel  of  the  Lord 
that  shall  stand.-  The  counsel  of  the  Lord  s-tandeth  forever, 
the  thoughts  of  his  heart  to  all  generations.-  Every  good  gift, 
and  every  perfect  gift  is  from  above,  and  cometh  down  from 
the  Father  of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  variableness,  neither 
shadow  of  turning.  Mai.  3.  6.  Is.  46.  10.  Prov.  19.  21.  Ps.  33. 
11.  Jam.  1.  17.  ||  Num.  23.  19.  Acts  4.  27,  28.  and  2.23.  Heb. 
6.  17.  Job  23.  13.  Is.  46.  9,  10.  Josh.  23.  14,  15. 

Have  you  considered  that  the  moral  aifections  of  God,  to- 
ward holiness  and  sin,  are  unchangeable  ?  Are  your  hearts  re- 
conciled to  the  eternal  and  immutable  counsels  of  God  ? 

11.  Is  God  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  evil,  or  look  upon  ini- 
quity but  with  abhorreitce  ? 

Who  is  like  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  gods?  who  is 
like  thee,  glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in  praises,  doing  won- 
ders ?-  For  thou  art  not  a  God  that  hath  pleasure  in  wicked- 
ness: neither  shall  evil  dwell  with  thee.  The  foolish  shall 
not  stand  in  thy  sight,  thou  hatest  all  workers  of  iniquity .- 
Who  shall  not  fear  thee,  O  Lord,  and  glorify  thy  name  ?  for 
thou  only  art  holy :  for  all  nations  shall  come  and  worship  be- 
fore thee  ;  for  thy  judgments  are  made  manifest.-  But  thou 
art  holy,  O  thou  that  inhabitest  the  praises  of  Israel.-  And  one 
cried  unto  another,  and  said,  holy,  holy,  holy,  is  the  Lord  of 
hosts :  the  whole  earth  is  full  of  his  glory.-  And  the  four  beasts 
had  each  of  them  six  wings  about  him ;  and  they  were  full  of 


17 

eyes  within :  and  they  rest  not  day  and  night,  saying,  Holy, 
holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  which  was,  and  is,  and  is  to 
come.  Ex.  15.  11.  Ps.  5.  4,  5.  Rev.  15.  4.  Ps.  22.  3.  Is.  6.  3. 
Rev.  4.  8.  I)  Job  4.  17,  18.  Is.  63.  15.  Hab.  1.  12,  13. 

Has  infinite  purity  never  beheld  you  with  abhorrence  ?  Do 
not  the  leper's  cry,  and  the  publican's  prayer  well  become 
your  lips?  Without  holiness  what  communion  can  you  ever 
have  with  God  ? 

12.  Though  clouds  and  darkness  are  sometimes  round  about 
Jehovah  in  the  dispensations  of  his  providence,  are  not  justice 
and  judgment  forever  the  habitation  of  his  throne  ? 

The  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  holy  in  all  his 
works.  He  is  the  Rock,  his  work  is  perfect ;  for  all  his  ways 
are  judgment:  a  God  of  truth,  and  without  iniquity,  just  and 
right  is  he.-  Yea  surely  God  will  not  do  wickedly,  neither  will 
the  Almighty  pervert  judgment.  Touching  the  Almighty,  we 
cannot  find  him  out :  he  is  excellent  in  power,  and  in  judg- 
ment, and  in  plenty  of  justice:  he  will  not  afflict.  For  the 
righteous  Lord  loveth  righteousness :  his  countenance  doth 
behold  the  upright.-  Righteous  art  thou,  O  Lord,  and  upright 
are  thy  judgments.  Thy  righteousness  is  an  everlasting  righte- 
ousness, and  thy  law  is  the  truth.-  My  tongue  shall  speak  of  thy 
word :  for  all  thy  commandments  are  righteousness.-  That  be 
far  from  thee  to  do  after  this  manner,  to  slay  the  righteous  with 
Ihe  wicked ;  and  that  the  righteous  should  be  as  the  wicked 
that  be  far  from  thee.  Shall  not  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  do 
right  ?- Justice  and  judgment  are  the  habitation  of  thy  throne  : 
mercy  and  truth  shall  go  before  thy  face.  Ps.  145.  17.  Deut. 
32.  4.  Job  34.  12.  and  37*  23.  Ps.  11.  7.  and  119.  137,  142, 
172.  Gen.  18.  25.  Ps.  89.  14.  ||  Dan.  9.  7.  Neh.  9.  33.  Ps.  36. 
6.  Is.  55.  8,  9. 

Do  you  feel  that  God  is  wise  and  just  and  good  in  his  deal- 
ings with  you  ?  Can  you  habitually  confide  in  him  ? 

13.  What  directions  and  examples  enforce  the  duty  of  submi*- 
*ion  to  God,  and  of  enh>  e  resignation  to  his  will  ? 

Now  be  ye  not  stiffnecked  as  your  fathers  were,  but  yield 
yourselves  unto  the  Lord,  and  enter  his  sanctuary,  which  he 
hath  sanctified  forever :  and  serve  the  Lord  your  God,  that  the 
fierceness  of  his  wrath  may  turn  away  from  you.-  Wo  unto 
him  that  striveth  with  his  Maker !  Let  the  potsherd  strive  with 
the  potsherds  of  the  earth.  Shall  the  clay  say  to  him  that 
fashioneth  it,  what  makest  thou  ?  or  thy  work,  he  hath  no 
hands  ?-  Wherefore  doth  a  living  man  complain  a  man  for  the 
punishment  of  his  sins  ?  Let  us  search  and  try  our  ways,  and 
turn  again  to  the  Lord.  Let  us  lift  up  our  heart  with  our 
B2 


18 

hands  unto  God  in  the  heavens.  When  thou  with  rebukes 
dost  correct  man  for  iniquity,  thou  makest  his  beauty  to  con- 
sume away  like  a  moth :  surely  every  man  is  vanity.  Selah.  I 
was  dumb,  I  opened  not  my  mouth  ;  because  thou  didst  it.  Then 
cometh  Jesus  with  them  unto  a  place  called  Gethsemane,  and 
saith  unto  the  disciples,  sit  ye  here,  while  I  go  and  pray  yon- 
der. And  he  went  a  little  farther,  and  fell  on  his  face,  and 
prayed,  saying-,  O  my  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass 
from  me,  nevertheless,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt.  2  Chron. 
30.  8.  Is.  45.  9.  Lam.  3.  39—41.  Ps.  39.  11,  9.  Mat.  26.  36,  39. 
H  Jud.  10.  15.  1  Sam.  3.  13.  2  Sam.  15.  26.  Job  1.  20,  21. 
2  Kings  20.  19.  Acts  21.  13,  14. 

How  base,  how  criminal,  how  impotent  the  contest  of  worms 
with  their  Maker !  Have  your  hearts  submitted  ?  Could  you 
ever  say?  u  not  my  will" — but  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done  ? 

14.  How  does  God  manifest  his  great  power  ? 

He  stretcheth  out  the  north  over  the  empty  place,  and  hang 
eth  the  earth  upon  nothing.  He  causeth  the  vapours  to  as- 
cend from  the  ends  of  the  earth  ;  he  maketh  lightnings  for  the 
rain  ;  he  bringeth  the  wind  out  of  his  treasures.  God  thun- 
dereth  marvellously  with  his  voice  ;  great  things  doeth  he, 
which  we  cannot  comprehend-  For  he  saith  to  the  snow,  be 
thou  on  the  earth  ;  likewise  to  the  small  rain,  and  to  the  great 
rain  of  his  strength.  The  Lord  thundereth  from  heaven,  and 
the  Most  High  uttered  his  voice.  And  the  channels  of  the  sea 
appeared,  the  foundations  of  the  world  were  discovered,  at  the 
rebuking  of  the  Lord,  at  the  blast  of  the  breath  of  his  nostrils. 
Our  God  shall  come,  and  shall  not  keep  silence  :  a  lire  shall 
devour  before  him,  and  it  shall  be  very  tempestuous  round 
about  him.  Job  26.  7.  Ps.  135.  7.  Job  37.  5,  6.  2  Sam.  22. 
14,  16.  Ps.  50.  3.  ||  1  Kings  19.  11—13.  Job  38.  8—11,  35. 
and  40.  9.  Ps.  29.  3—8.  Ex.  9.  28,  33.  and  15.  1.  4—10.  Is. 
40.  15,  22—26.  Luke  12.  4,  5. 

Dare  you  contend  with  Omnipotence  ?  How  vain  resistance 
to  him  !  How  safe  are  his  friends  ! 

15.  What  language  sublimely  describes  an  appearance  of  the 
Divine  majesty  ? 

God  came  from  Teman,  and  the  Holy  One  from  mount  Pa- 
ran.  Selah.  His  glory  covered  the  heavens,  and  the  earth 
was  full  of  his  praise.  And  his  brightness  was  as  the  light ;  he 
had  horns  coming  out  of  his  hand,  and  there  was  the  hiding  of 
his  power.  Before  him  went  the  pestilence,  and  burning  coals 
went  forth  at  his  feet.  He  stood  and  measured  the  earth :  he 
beheld  and  drove  asunder  the  nations;  and  the  everlasting 
mountains  were  scattered,  the  perpetual  hills  did  bow:  his 


19 

ways  are  everlasting.  The  mountains  saw  thee,  and  they 
trembled :  the  overflowing  of  the  waters  passed  by :  the  deep 
uttered  his  voice,  and  lifted  up  his  hands  on  high.  The  sun 
and  moon  stood  still  in  their  habitations :  at  the  light  of  thine 
arrows  they  went,  and  at  the  shining  of  thy  glittering  spear. 
Thou  didst  march  through  the  land  in  indignation,  thou  didst 
thresh  the  heathen  in  anger.  Hab.  3.  3—6,  10—12.  ||  Ps.  18. 
7—15. 

Have  uninspired  men  ever  written  so  sublimely  ?  How  mean 
is  earthly  majesty  compared  with  divine  ! 

16.  What  are  we  taught  respecting  the  invisibility  oj  trie 
Godhead  t 

No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time  ;  the  only  begotten  Son, 
which  is  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  he  hath  declared  him. 
And  the  Father  himself  which  hath  sent  me,  hath  borne  wit- 
ness of  me.  Ye  have  neither  heard  his  voice  at  any  time,  nor 
seen  his  shape.  John  1.  18.  and  5.  37.  ||  Col.  2.  9.  Heb.  11. 
27.  1  Tim.  6.  16.  Deut.  4.  12,  15*. 

Will  any  visible,  tangible  form  of  the  Deity  ever  be  perceiv- 
ed ?  Can  you  see  the  spirit  in  man  ?  What  form — what  dimen- 
sions has  it  ?  Is  not  its  existence  known  by  its  operations  ?  Is 
not  the  existence  of  an  unseen  God  much  more  manifest  ? 

17.  Is  there  more  than  one  God  ? 

Hear,  O  Israel ;  the  Lord  our  God  is  one  Lord.  For  though 
there  be  that  are  called  gods,  whether  in  heaven  or  in  earth, 
(as  there  be  gods  many  and  lords  many.)  But  to  us  there  is 
but  one  God,  the  Father,  of  whom  are  all  things,  and  we  in 
him ;  and  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  are  all  things,  and 
we  by  him.-  But  the  Lord  is  the  true  God,  he  is  the  living 
God,  and  an  everlasting  King :  at  his  wrath  the  earth  shall 
tremble,  and  the  nations  shall  not  be  able  to  abide  his  indigna- 
tion. Deut.  6.  4.  1  Cor.  8.  5,  6.  Jer.  10.  10.  ||  Heb.  3.  4. 
Eph.  4.  6.  1  Tim.  2.  5.  Deut.  4.  35.  Is.  45.  5—7,  21,  22. 

18  Is  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  clearly  revealed  in  the  Scrip- 
tures? (c) 

For  there  are  three  that  bear  record  in  heaven,  the  Father, 
the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost :  and  these  three  are  one. 
Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and 
the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all.  Amen. 
1  John  5.  7-  Mat.  28.  19.  2  Cor.  13.  14.  ||  Gen.  1.  26.  and  11. 

(c)  See  Appendix,  Note  C. 


20 

7.  Num.  6.23—26.  Ps,  110.  1.  Is.  48.  16.  Zech.  2.8—11. 
Mat.  3.  16,  17.  Luke  4.  18.  John  10.  30.  and  14.  26.  and  15 
26.  and  16.  13—15. 

Shall  the  doctrine  of  the  adoraHe  Trinity  be  discredited 
because  it  cannot  be  comprehended  ? 

19.  What  evidence  do  the  Scriptures  afford  that  Christ  is  the 
true  God  ? 

In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was  with  God, 
and  the  Word  was  God.  The  same  was  in  the  beginning  with 
God.  All  things  were  made  by  him  ;  and  without  him  was  not 
any  thing  made  that  was  made.  And  the  Word  was  made 
flesh  and  dwelt  among  us,  and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory 
as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth.- 
For  by  him  were  all  things  created,  that  are  in  heaven,  and 
that  are  in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether  they  be  thrones, 
or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers :  all  things  were  cre- 
ated by  him  and  for  him :  Arid  he  is  before  all  things,  and  by 
him  all  things  consist.-  For  every  house  is  builded  by  some  man  ; 
but  he  that  built  all  things  is  God.-  And  we  know  that  the  Son 
of  God  is  come,  and  hath  given  us  an  understanding,  that  we 
may  know  him  that  is  true,  and  we  are  in  him  that  is  true, 
even  in  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  This  is  the  true  God,  and  eter- 
nal life.  John  1.  1—3,  14.  Col.  1.  16,  17.  Heb.  3.  4.  1  John 
5.  20.  ||  Is.  9.  6.  and  44.  24.  Heb.  1.  8,  10—12.  Rom.  9.  5. 
John  8.  58.  Gen.  48.  15,  16.  Ex.  3.  2—6.  Jud.  2.  1.  Rev.  1.  8. 
17.  and  2.  8.  and  22.  13.  Is.  43.  10.  and  48.  12.  Rev.  19.  U— 
13,  16.  Dan.  7.  13,  14.  John  14.  6—11.  1  Tim.  3.  16. 

Is  there  any  danger  in  adoring,  loving,  and  serving  Christ  as 
tiuly  God  ?     Have  you  done  this  ? 

20.  Have  we  evidence  from,  Scripture  precepts  and  examples^ 
that  we  ought  to  worship  Christ  as  God  ? 

For  the  Father  judgeth  no  man;  but  hath  committed  all 
judgment  to  his  Son :  that  all  men  should  honour  the  Son,  even 
as  they  honour  the  Father.-  Again  when  he  bringeth  in  the  first 
Degotten  into  the  world,  he  saith,  Let  all  the  angels  of  God  wor- 
ship him.-  With  all  that  in  every  place,  call  on  the  name  of  Je- 
sus Christ  our  Lord.-  To  whom  be  glory  forever  and  ever.- 
And  they  stoned  Stephen,  calling  upon  God,  and  saying,  Lord 
Jesus  receive  my  spirit.  John  5.  22,  23.  Heb.  1.  6.  1  Cor.  1. 
2.  Gal.  1.  5.  Acts  7.  59.  ||  Ps.  2.  12.  Mat.  2.  2.  Phil.  2.  9. 
Rev.  7.  9,  10.  and  5.  11, 12. 

Can  we  possess  the  moral  affections  of  apostles,  martyrs,  and 
glorified  spirits,  and  not  render  Divine  worship  to  Christ  ? 


21 

21.  How  does  it  appear  that  the  Holy  Ghost  is  very  God? 
But  Peter  said,  Ananias,  why  hath  Satan  filled  thine  heart 

to  lie  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to  keep  back  part  of  the  price  oi 
the  land  ?  Whilst  it  remained  was  it  not  thine  own  ?  and  after 
it  was  sold  was  it  not  in  thine  own  power  ?  Why  hast  thou  con- 
ceived this  thing  in  thine  heart  ?  thou  hast  not  lied  unto  men, 
but  unto  God.-  For  what  man  knoweth  the  things  of  a  man, 
save  the  spirit  of  man  which  is  in  him  ?  even  so  the  things  of 
God  knoweth  no  man,  but  the  Spirit  of  God.-  For  the  Holy 
Ghost  shall  teach  you  in  the  same  hour  what  ye  ought  to  say. 
Acts  5.  3,  4.  1  Cor.  2.  11.  Luke  12.  12.  ||  Gen.  1.  2.  2  Cor. 
13.  14.  Acts  13.  2.  and  15.  28.  and  16.  6,  7.  1  Cor.  3.  16,  17. 
Isa.  6.  8—10.  Acts  28.  25—27.  and  13.  2,  4.  and  15.  28. 

Have  you  felt  infinite  obligations  to  the  Holy  Ghost  ?  Have 
you  never  resisted  nor  grieved  him ? 

22.  What  is  said  of  the  Holy  Spirits  direct  agency  in  the 
sanctification  of  sinful  hearts  ? 

God  hath  sealed  us,  and  given  to  us  the  earnest  of  the  Spirit 
in  our  hearts.-  For  we  know  not  what  to  pray  for  as  we  ought, 
but  the  Spirit  helpeth  our  infirmities.-  Verily,  verily,  I  say  un- 
to you,  except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit  he  can- 
not enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  That  which  is  born  of 
the  flesh  is  flesh ;  and  that  which  is  born  of  the  Spirit  is  spirit. 
The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and  thou  hearest  the  sound 
thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence  it  cometh  and  whither  it  go- 
eth :  so  is  every  one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit.  2  Cor.  1 .  22. 
Rom.  8.  26.  John  3.  5,  6,  8.  ||  and  14.  16,  26.  and  16.  7,  13. 
Acts  4.  8,  31.  Rom.  8.  5,  9,  13.  1  Pet.  1.  22. 

Have  you  desired  and  experienced  the  sanctifying  agency  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  ?  What  other  blessing  is  so  important  as  this  ? 

23.  Does  God  execute  his  own  will  or  purposes  in  all  things  ? 
But  he  is  in  one  mind,  and  who  can  turn  him  ?  and  what  his 

soul  desireth,  even  that  he  doeth.-  And  all  the  inhabitants  of 
the  earth  are  reputed  as  nothing :  and  he  doeth  according  to 
his  will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of 
the  earth ;  and  none  can  stay  his  hand,  or  say  unto  him,  what 
doest  thou  ?-  In  whom  also  we  have  obtained  an  inheritance, 
being  predestinated  according  to  the  purpose  of  him  who  work- 
eth  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will.  Job  23.  13. 
Dan.  4.  35.  Eph.  1.  11.  ||  Rom.  9.  11,  12.  Jude  3,  4.  2  Tim. 
1.  7,  9.  (d)  Ps.  135.  6.  Amos  3.  6.  Acts  4.  27, 28.  Luke  10. 21. 
Is  it  not  immensely  desirable  that  the  controlling  agency  of 
Infinite  Wisdom  and  Benevolence  should  extend  to  all  worlds 
(d)  See  Appendix,  Note  D« 


'22 

and  all  creatures  ?  Do  you  believe  and  love  the  doctrine  of 
God's  universal  efficiency  ?  What  is  the  real  cause  of  opposition 
to  this  doctrine  ?  Eccl.  9.  3. 

24.    What  is  a  summary  of  the  history  of  creation  ? 

Through  faith  we  understand  the  worlds  were  framed  by  the 
word  of  God,  so  that  things  which  are  seen  were  not  made  of 
things  which  do  appear.-  In  the  beginning  God  created  the 
heaven  and  the  earth.  And  God  created  great  whales  and 
every  living  creature  that  moveth,  which  the  waters  brought 
forth  abundantly  after  their  kind,  and  every  winged  fowl  after 
his  kind :  and  God  saw  that  it  was  good.  And  God  made  the 
beast  of  the  earth  after  his  kind,  and  the  cattle  after  their  kind, 
and  every  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth  after  their  kind : 
and  God  saw  that  it  was  good.  And  God  said,  let  us  make  man 
in  our  image,  after  our  likeness ;  and  let  them  have  dominion 
over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over 
the  cattle,  and  over  all  the  earth,  and  over  every  creeping 
thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth.  So  God  created  man 
in  his  own  image,  in  the  image  of  God  created  he  him ;  male 
and  female  created  he  them.-  Lo,  this  only  have  I  found,  that 
God  hath  made  man  upright,  but  they  have  sought  out  many 
inventions.  Heb.  11.  3.  Gen.  1.  1,  21,  24,  26,27.  Eccl.  7.  29. 
||  Heb.  1.  10.  Fs.  74.  16.  Rev.  16.  4.  Jer.  10.  12.  Rev.  4.  11. 
Ps.  33.  6. 

What  obligations  does  creating  goodness  impose  on  you  ? 
Have  you  felt  and  yielded  to  these  obligations  ? 

25.  What  is  the  nature  of  the  covenant  of  works,  and  with 
whom  was  such  a  covenant  made  ? 

And  the  Lord  God  commanded  the  man,  saying,  of  every 
tree  of  the  garden  thou  mayest  freely  eat ;  But  of  the  tree  of 
knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it ;  for  in  the 
day  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die.-  Behold,  all  souls 
are  mine  as  the  soul  of  the  father,  so  also  the  soul  of  the  son  is 
mine :  the  soul  that  sinneth,  it  shall  die.-  For  as  many  as  are 
of  the  works  of  the  law  are  under  the  curse :  for  it  is  written, 
Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are 
written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them.  But  that  no  man  is 
justified  by  the  law  in  the  sight  of  God,  it  is  evident ;  for  the 
just  shall  live  by  faith.  And  the  law  is  not  of  faith :  but  the 
man  that  doeth  them  shall  live  in  them.-  Cursed  be  he  that 
confirmeth  not  all  the  words  of  this  law,  to  do  them  ;  and  all 
the  people  shall  say,  Amen.  Gen..  2.  16,  17.  Ez.  18.  4.  Gal. 
3.  10—12.  Deut.  27.  26.  ||  and  10.  12,  13.  and  28.  2,  6.  15, 
19.  Jer.  11.  3. 


23 

Can  any  sinner  be  justified  by  this  covenant  of  works  ?     Do 
you  renounce  all  dependance  on  it  ? 

26.   What  is  a  summary  of  the  history  of  the  fall. 

Now  the  serpent  was  more  subtile  than  any  beast  of  the  field 
which  the  Lord  God  had  made.  And  he  said  unto  the  woman, 
yea,  hath  God  said,  Ye  shall  not  eat  of  every  tree  of  the  gar- 
den ?  And  the  woman  said  unto  the  serpent,  we  may  eat  of  the 
fruit  of  the  trees  of  the  garden :  But  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree  which 
is  in  the  midst  of  the  garden,  God  hath  said,  Ye  shall  not  eat  of 
it,  neither  shall  ye  touch  it,  lest  ye  die.  And  the  serpent  said 
unto  the  woman,  Ye  shall  not  surely  die  ;  for  God  doth  know, 
that  in  the  day  ye  eat  thereof,  then  your  eyes  shall  be  opened  ; 
and  ye  shall  be  as  gods,  knowing  good  and  evil.  And  when 
the  woman  saw,  that  the  tree  was  good  for  food,  and  that  it  was 
pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise, 
she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat ;  and  gave  also  unto  her 
husband  with  her,  and  he  did  eat.-  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man 
sin  entered  into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin  ;  and  so  death 
passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned.  Gen.  3.  1 — 6 
Rom.  5.  12.  ||  Gen.  3.  9—19. 

To  what  evils  has  the  apostacy  exposjed  you  ?  How  can  thee 
evils  be  averted  or  mitigated  ? 


27.  What  is  the  character  and  state  of  all  mankind  b$  na- 
ture ? 

As  it  is  written,  There  is  none  righteous,  no,  not  «M\e , 
There  is  none  that  understandeth,  there  is  none  that  seeketh 
after  God.  They  are  all  gone  out  of  the  way,  they  are  togeth- 
er become  unprofitable  ;  there  is  none  that  doeth  good,  no,  not 
one.  Their  throat  is  an  open  sepulchre  ;  with  their  tongues 
they  have  used  deceit ;  the  poison  of  asps  is  under  their  lips  : 
Whose  mouth  is  full  of  cursing  and  bitterness :  Their  feet  are 
swift  to  shed  blood :  Destruction  and  misery  are  in  their  ways  • 
And  the  way  of  peace  have  they  not  known :  There  is  no  fear 
of  God  before  their  eyes.  Now  we  know  that  what  things  so- 
ever the  law  saith  it  saith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law ; 
that  every  mouth  may  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world  may  be- 
come guilty  before  God.  For  all  have  sinned,  and  come  short 
of  the  glory  of  God.  Rom.  3.  10—19.  23.  ||  and  1.  28—32. 
Eph.  2.  1—3.  Tit.  3.  3.  1  John  5.  19.  Gen.  8.  21.  Job  15. 
14—16. 

Have  you  felt  that  naturally  this  character  and  state  is 
yours  ?     Has  this  consideration  abased  you  before  God  ? 


24 

28.  What  is  a  correct  description  of  the  unrenewed  heart  ?  (e) 
The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  desperately  wick- 
ed ;  who  can  know  it  ?-  And  God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of 
man  was  great  in  the  earth,  and  that  every  imagination  of  the 
thoughts  of  his  heart  was  only  evil  continually.-  Because  the 
carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God  :  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the 
law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be.-  For  out  of  the  heart  pro- 
ceed evil  thoughts,  murders,  adulteries,  fornications,  thefts,  false 
witness,  blasphemies.-  Who  can  say,  I  have  made  my  heart 
clean,  1  am  pure  from  sin.  Jer.  17.  9.  Gen.  6.  5.  Rom.  8.  7. 
Mat.  15.  19.  Prov.  20.  9.  ||  Ps.  51.  5.  Prov.  27.  19. 

How  vile  and  odious  to  God  must  the  unrenewed  heart  ap- 
pear ?    Have  you  such  a  heart  ? 

29.  What  is  the  language  of  the  unsanctified  heart  7 
Therefore  they  say  unto  God,  Depart  from  us ;  for  we  desire 

not  the  knowledge  of  thy  ways.  What  is  the  Almighty  that 
we  should  serve  him?  and  what  profit  should  we  have,  if  we 
pray  unto  him  ?-  Ye  have  said,  it  is  vain  to  serve  God  :  and 
what  profit  is  it  that  we  have  kept  his  ordinances,  and  that  we 
have  walked  mournfully  before  the  Lord  of  hosts  ?  And  now 
we  call  the  proud  happy ;  yea,  they  that  work  wickedness  are 
set  up ;  yea,  they  that.tempt  God  are  delivered.  Job  21.  14, 15. 
Mai  3.  14, 15.  ||  Job  22.  17.  Ps.  10.  3,  6, 11.  Luke  8.  37.  Rom. 
1.28.1s.  30.  10,  11.  4-    _    ... 

Does  your  practice  speak  this  language,  or  not?    What  li 
you  should  be  judicially  left  of  God  ? 

30.  Is  the  wrath  of  God  revealed  from  heaven  against  all  un- 
godliness and  unrighteousness  of  men? 

The  Lord  is  slow  to  anger,  and  great  in  power,  and  will  not 
at  all  acquit  the  wicked :  the  Lord  hath  his  way  in  the  whirl- 
wind and  in  the  storm,  and  the  clouds  are  the  dust  of  h*  fee^ 
The  mountains  quake  at  him,  and  the  hills  melt  an d  the  earth 
is  burned  at  his  presence,  yea,  the  world,  and  all  that  dwell 
therein!  Who  can  stand  before  his  indignation  ?  and  who  can 
abide  in  the  fierceness  of  his  anger  ?  his  fury  is  poured  out  1  ke 
fire  and  the  rocks  are  thrown  down  by  him.-  For,  behold,  the 
Lord  will  come  with  fire,  and  with  his  chariots  like  a  whirl- 
wind, to  render  his  anger  with  fury,  and  his  rebukes  wi  h 
flames  of  fire.  For  by  fire,  and  by  his  sword  will  the  Lord 
S  with  all  flesh :  and  the  slain  of  the  Lord  shall  be  many  - 
¥hey£at  sanctify  themselves,  and  purify  themselves  in  the 
Widens  behind  one  tree  in  the  midst,  eating  swine's  flesh  and 
Se  abomLron,  and  the  mouse,  shall  be  consumed  together, 
(e)  See  Appendix,  Note  E. 


25 

saith  the  Lord.-  But  unto  them  that  are  contentious,  and  do 
not  obey  the  truth,  but  obey  unrighteousnes,  indignation,  and 
wrath  ;  Tribulation  and  anguish  upon  every  soul  of  man  that 
doeth  evil,  of  the  Jew  first,  and  also  of  the  Gentile.  Nah.  1.  3, 
5,  6.  Is.  66.  15—17.  Rom.  2.  8,  9;  ||  Ps.  7.  11,  12.  Rev.  6. 
15_17.  Deut.  29.  19,  20.  and  32.  18—23,  40—42. 

In  your  own  characters  are  you  not  exposed  to  God^  wrath  ? 
Will  you  not  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come  ? 

31.  Is  perfect  holiness  in  the  creature  required  by  the  Creator  ? 
And  he  answering  said,  thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God 

with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
strength,  and  with  all  thy  mind ;  and  thy  neighbour  as  thy- 
self.- Be  ye  therefore  perfect  :  even,  as  your  Father  which  is 
in  heaven,  is  perfect.-  But  as  he  which  hath  called  you  is  holy, 
so  be  ye  holy  in  all  manner  of  conversation ;  Because  it  is 
written,  Be  ye  holy ;  for  I  am  holy.  Luke  10.  27.  Mat.  5.  48. 
1  Pet.  1.  15,  16.  ||  Heb.  12.  14.  Eph.  4.  22—24.  2  Pet.  3.  11, 
14.  2  Cor.  13.  11. 

Have  you  ever  been  perfectly  holy  ?  Can  you  ever  be  jus- 
tified by  that  law,  whose  commandment  is  so  exceeding 
broad  ? 

32.  What  is  sin,  and  how  manifested  ? 

Whosoever  committeth  sin  transgresseth  also  the  law ;  for 
sin  is  the  transgression  of  the  law.-  Now  the  works  of  the  flesh 
are  manifest,  which  are  these  ;  adultery,  fornication,  unclean- 
ness,  lasciviousness,  idolatry,  witchcraft,  hatred,  variance,  emu- 
lations, wrath,  strife,  seditions,  heresies,  envyings,  murders, 
drunkenness,  revellings,  and  such  like ;  of  the  which  I  tell 
you  before,  as  I  have  also  told  you  in  time  past,  that  they 
which  do  such  things  shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God.- 
What  shall  we  say  then?  Is  the  law  sin?  God  forbid.  Nay,  I 
had  not  known  sin  but  by  the  law ;  for  I  had  not  known  lust, 
except  the  law  had  said,  thou  shalt  not  covet.  But  sin  taking 
occasion  by  the  commandment,  wrought  in  me  all  manner  of 
concupiscence.  For  without  the  law  sin  was  dead.  For  I  was 
alive  without  the  law  once  :  but  when  the  commandment 
came,  sin  revived,  and  I  died.  And  the  commandment,  which 
was  ordained  to  life,  I  found  to  be  unto  death.  1  John  3.  4.  Gal. 
5.  19—21.  Rom.  7.  7—10.  ||  Jam.  1.  14,  15.  Mat.  15.  19. 

Does  sin  appear  exceeding  sinful  to  you  ?  Or  do  you  live  in 
the  allowed  indulgence  of  it  ? 

33.  w  Have  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  no"  true  M  knowledge 
of  God?" 

The  wicked  through  the  pride  of  his  countenance  will  not 
C 


26 

seek  after  God  :  God  is  not  in  all  his  thoughts.-  They  know  not, 
neither  will  they  understand ;  they  walk  on  in  darkness  ;  all 
the  foundations  of  the  earth  are  out  of  course.-  Hear  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  ye  children  of  Israel :  For  the  Lord  hath  a  contro- 
versy with  the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  because  there  is  no 
truth,  nor  mercy,  nor  knowledge  of  God  in  the  land.-  For  my 
people  is  foolish,  they  have  not  known  me ;  they  are  sottish 
children,  and  they  have  none  understanding- :  they  are  wise  to 
do  evil,  but  to  do  good  they  have  no  knowledge.  And  they 
bend  their  tongues  like  their  bow  for  lies :  but  they  are  not 
valiant  for  the  truth  upon  the  earth ;  for  they  proceed  from  evil 
to  evil,  and  they  know  not  me,  saith  the  Lord.-  And  this  is 
the  condemnation,  that  light  is  come  into  the  world,  and  men 
loved  darkness  rather  than  light,  because  their  deeds  were  evil. 
For  every  one  that  doeth  evil  hateth  the  light,  neither  cometh 
to  the  light,  lest  his  deeds  should  be  reproved.  Fs.  10.  4.  and 
82.  5.  Hos.  4.  1.  Jer.  4.  22.  and  9.  3.  John  3.  19,  20.  ||  Is.  1. 

3.  Rom.  1.  28.  John  8.  19.  and  17.  25.  1  John  4.  8.  and  3.  6. 
Job  21.  14. 

Are  you  among  those  that  are  wise  to  do  evil  ?  Has  not  God 
a  controversy  with  you  ? 

34.  Are  all  commanded  savingly  to  know  "  the  only  wise  God 
and  our  Saviour .?" 

Know  therefore  this  day,  and  consider  it  in  thine  heart,  that 
the  Lord  he  is  God  in  heaven  above,  and  upon  the  earth  be- 
neath :  there  is  none  else.-  Know  ye  that  the  Lord  he  is  God  :  it 
is  he  that  hath  made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves ;  we  are  his  people, 
and  the  sheep  of  his  pasture.-  For  if  these  things  be  in  you  and 
abound,  they  make  you  that  ye  shall  neither  be  barren  nor 
unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.-  Thus 
saith  the  Lord,  Let  not  the  wise  man  glory  in  his  wisdom,  nei- 
ther let  the  mighty  man  glory  in  his  might,  let  not  the  rich 
man  glory  in  his  riches  :  But  let  him  that  glorieth  glory  in  this, 
that  he  understandeth  and  knoweth  me,  that  I  am  the  Lord 
which  exercise  loving-kindness,  judgment,  and  righteousness,  in 
the  earth :  for  in  these  things  I  delight,  saith  the  Lord.     Deut. 

4.  39.  Ps.  100.  3.  2  Pet.  1.  8.  Jer.  9.  23,  24.  ||  Job  22.  21. 
Hos.  13.  4.  Col.  3.  10.  ||  1  Tim.  2.  4.  1  Chron.  28.  9.  Ps.  46. 
10.  Hos.  6.  6. 

Have  you  had  experimental  knowledge  of  God,  of  Christ, 
and  of  holiness? 

35.  In  what  does  the  true  knowledge  of  God  consist,  and  how 
is  it  obtained  ? 

God  understandeth  the  way  thereof,  and  he  knoweth  the 


27 

place  thereof.  And  unto  man  he  said,  Behold,  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  that  is  wisdom ;  and  to  depart  from  evil  is  understand- 
ing.- If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God  that  giveth 
to  all  men  liberally,  and  upbraideth  not,  and  it  shall  be  given 
him.-  And  I  will  give  them  a  heart  to  know  me,  that  I  am  the 
Lord :  and  they  shall  be  my  people,  and  I  will  be  their  God  : 
for  they  shall  return  unto  me  with  their  whole  heart.-  But  this 
shall  be  the  covenant  that  I  will  make  with  the  house  of  Israel ; 
after  those  days  saith  the  Lord,  I  will  put  my  law  in  their  in- 
ward parts,  and  write  it  in  their  hearts ;  and  will  be  their  God, 
and  they  shall  be  my  people.  And  they  shall  teach  no  more 
every  man  his  neighbour,  and  every  man  his  brother,  saying, 
Know  the  Lord :  for  they  shall  all  know  me  from  the  least  ot 
them  unto  the  greatest  of  them,  saith  the  Lord  ;  for  I  will  for- 
give their  iniquity,  and  I  will  remember  their  sin  no  more.  Job 
28.  23,  23.  Jam.  1.  5.  Jer.  24.  7.  and  31.  33,  34.  ||  Hos.  2.  19, 
20.  and  b.  1,  3.  John  17.  3,  6—8.  Ps.  119.  73.  2  Cor.  4.  6. 
1  John  4.  7. 

Do  you  fear  to  pollute  your  soul,  and  thus  dishonour,  and  dis- 
please God  ?  Have  you  sought  heavenly  wisdom  by  humble 
prayer  ? 

36.  Jlre  not  the  teachings  of  the  Holy  Spirit  indispensably 
necessary  for  the  discernment  of  spiritual  things  ? 

But  as  it  is  written,  Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard, 
neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which 
God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  him.  But  God  hath  re- 
vealed them  unto  us  by  his  Spirit :  for  the  Spirit  searcheth  all 
things,  yea,  the  deep  things  of  God.  For  what  man  knoweth 
the  things  of  a  man  save  the  spirit  of  man  which  is  in  him  ? 
even  so  the  things  of  God  knoweth  no  man  but  the  Spirit  of 
God.  Now  we  have  received,  not  the  spirit  of  the  world,  but 
the  Spirit  which  is  of  God  ;  that  we  might  know  the  things  that 
are  freely  given  us  of  God.  Which  things  also  we  speak,  not 
in  the  words  which  raan1s  wisdom  teacheth,  but  which  the  Holy 
Ghost  teacheth  ;  comparing  spiritual  things  with  spiritual.  But 
the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God  : 
for  they  are  foolishness  unto  him :  neither  can  he  know  them 
because  they  are  spiritually  discerned.  1  Cor.  2. 9 — 14.  ||  Rom. 
8.  7.  Jude  19.  John  3.  27.  Eph.  3.  5.  and  1.  16—19.  (f ) 

Have  you  felt  your  entire  dependance  on  the  Holy  Spirit  for 
divine  teaching  ?  Has  he  taught  and  sanctified,  and  comforted 
you? 

37.  What  are  the  present  consequences  of  impenitence  ? 
The  wicked  man  travaileth  with  pain  all  his  days,  and  the 

(f )  See  Appendix,  Note  F. 


28 

number  of  years  is  hidden  to  the  oppressor.  A  dreadful  sound 
is  in  his  ears :  in  prosperity  the  destroyer  shall  come  upon  him.- 
Having  the  understanding  darkened,  being  alienated  from  the 
life  of  God  through  the  ignorance  that  is  in  them,  because  of 
the  blindness  of  their  heart.-  But  the  wicked  are  like  the  trou- 
bled sea,  when  it  cannot  rest,  whose  waters  cast  up  mire  and 
dirt.     There  is  no  peace,  saith  my  God,  to  the  wicked.     Job 

15.  20,  21.  Eph.  4.  18.  Is.  57.  20,  21.  ||  Tit.  1.  15.  Deut.  28. 
15—17.  Job  20.  23—29. 

Can  you  love  the  present  consequences  of  sin  ?  Why  have 
you  rolled  it  as  a  sweet  morsel  under  your  tongue  ? 

38.  What  are  the  consequences  of  sin  in  the  world  to  come  ? 
When  a  wicked  man  dieth,  his  expectation  shall  perish :  and 

the  hope  of  unjust  men  perisheth.-  The  wicked  shall  be  turned 
into  hell,  and  all  the  nations  that  forget  God.-  Upon  the  wick- 
ed he  shall  rain  snares,  fire,  and  brimstone,  and  a  horrible 
tempest.  This  shall  be  the  portion  of  their  cup.-  Therefore 
shall  they  eat  of  the  fruit  of  their  own  way,  and  be  filled  with 
their  own  devices.-  And  the  smoke  of  their  torment  ascendeth 
up  forever  and  ever :  and  they  have  no  rest  day  nor  night,  who 
worship  the  beast  and  his  image,  and  whosoever  receiveth  the 
mark  of  his  name.  Prov.  11.  7.  Ps.  9.  17.  and  11.  6.  Prov.  1. 
31.  Rev.  14.  11.  ||  Mat.  10.  28.  Mark  9.  45,  46.  Luke  16.  23, 
24.  2  Thes.  2.  11, 12.  Rom.  2.  5.  Is.  33.  14. 

If  this  language  be  figurative,  has  it  not  some  meaning?  Is 
not  that  meaning  more  dreadful  than  words  can  describe  ? 

39.  What  are  we  required  to  do,  that  we  may  be  saved  from 
sin  and  its  awful  consequences  ? 

And  they  said,  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  thou 
shalt  be  saved,  and  thy  house.-  For  with  the  heart  man  be- 
lieveth  unto  righteousness  ;  and  with  the  mouth  confession  is 
made  unto  salvation.  For  the  Scripture  saith,  whosoever  be- 
lieveth  on  him  shall  not  be  ashamed.-  He  that  believeth  and 
is  baptized,  shall  be  saved ;  but  he  that  believeth  not 
shall  be  damned.     Acts  16.  31.  Rom.  10.  10,  11.  Mark  16. 

16.  ||  Acts  2.  37,  38.  and  3.  19.  and  20.  21.  Jer.  3.  22.  and  31. 
18,  19,  Mark  1.  15.  Luke  13.  23—27. 

Have  you  truly  believed  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ?  Or  are 
you  yet  condemned  ? 

40.  What  is  repentance  towards  God,  and  how  is  it  mani- 
fested ?  (g) 

Therefore  also  now,  saith  the  Lord,  Turn  ye  even  to  me  with 

(g)  See  Appendix,  Note  G. 


29 

all  your  heart,  and  with  Tasting-,  and  with  weeping1,  and  with 
mourning.  And  rend  your  heart,  and  not  your  garments,  and 
turn  unto  the  Lord  your  God,  for  he  is  gracious  and  merciful, 
slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindness,  and  repenteth  him  of  the 
evil.-  Wash  you,  make  you  clean  ;  put  away  the  evil  of  your 
doings  from  before  mine  eyes :  cease  to  do  evil  •,  Learn  to  do 
well ;  seek  judgment,  relieve  the  oppressed  ;  Judge  the  father- 
less ;  plead  for  the  widow.-  Then  shall  ye  remember  your  own 
evil  ways,  and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  shall  loathe 
yourselves  in  your  own  sight,  for  your  iniquities,  and  for  your 
abominations.-  For  behold  this  self-same  thing,  that  ye  sorrow- 
ed after  a  godly  sort ;  what  carefulness  it  wrought  in  you,  yea, 
what  clearing  of  yourselves,  yea,  what  indignation,  yea,  what 
fear,  yea,  what  vehement  desire,  yea,  what  zeal,  yea,  what 
revenge !  In  all  things  ye  have  approved  yourselves  to  be  clear 
in  this  matter.  Joel  2.  12,  13.  Is.  1.  16,  17.  Ex.  36.  31.  2  Cor. 
7.  11.  ||  Acts  2.  37,  38.  Jer.  7.  2—7. 

Have  you  exercised  that  sorrow  which  is  after  a  godly  sort  ? 
Have  you  brought  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance  ? 

41.  Is  the  humble  and  contrite  heart  peculiarly  acceptable  in 
the  sight  of  God  ? 

The  sacrifices  of  God,  are  a  broken  spirit:  a  broken  and  a 
contrite  heart,  O  God,  thou  wilt  not  despise.-  The  Lord  is 
nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart,  and  saveth  such  as 
be  of  a  contrite  spirit.-  He  healeth  the  broken  in  heart,  and 
bindeth  up  their  wounds.-  For  thus  saith  the  high  and  lofty 
One  that  inhabiteth  eternity,  whose  name  is  Holy ;  I  dwell  in 
the  high  and  holy  place,  with  him  also  that  is  of  a  contrite  and 
humble  spirit,  and  to  revive  the  heart  of  the  contrite  ones.- 
For  all  those  things  hath  mine  hands  made,  and  all  those  thing's 
have  been,  saith  the  Lord :  but  to  this  man  will  I  look,  even  to 
him  that  is  poor  and  of  a  contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  at  my 
word.  Ps.  51.  17.  and  34.  18.  and  147.  3.  Is.  57.  15.  and  66. 
2.  ||  and  61.  1—3.  Luke  18.  9 — 14. 

Has  your  heart  been  broken  for  sin  and  healed  by  the  mercy 
of  the  Gospel  ? 

42.  What  promises  are  connected  with  weeping  for  sin  ? 

But  to  the  king  of  Judah,  which  sent  you  to  inquire  of  the 
Lord,  thus  shall  ye  say  to  him,  thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  as  touching  the  words  which  thou  hast  heard  ;  Because 
thine  heart  was  tender,  and  thou  hast  humbled  thyself  before 
the  Lord,  when  thou  heardest  what  I  spake  against  this  place, 
and  against  the  inhabitants  thereof,  that  they  should  become  a 
desolation,  and  a  curse,  and  hast  rent  thy  clothes,  and  wept 
before  me  ;  I  also  have  heard  thee,  saith  the  Lord.-  They  that 
C  2 


30 

sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy.     He  that  goeth  forth  and  weep- 
eth,  bearing-  precious  seed,  shall  doubtless  come  again  with  re- 
joicing, bringing  his    sheaves  with   him.     2  Kin.  22.  18,  19. 
Ps.  126.  5,  6.  ||  Jer.  50.  4,  5.  and  31.  9.  Luke  6.  21—25. 
Can  you  plead  these  promises  ?     Is  sin  your  grief? 

43.  What  is  faith,  "  the  faith  of  God's  elect  ?  »  (h) 

Now  faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  evidence 
of  things  not  seen.  Through  faith  we  understand  that  the 
worlds  were  framed  by  the  word  of  God,  so  that  things  which 
are  seen  were  not  made  of  things  which  do  appear.  But  with- 
out faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  him :  for  he  that  cometh  to 
God  must  believe  that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  rewarder  of  them 
that  diligently  seek  him.-  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled  ;  ye 
believe  in  God,  believe  also  in  me.  Trust  ye  in  the  Lord  for- 
ever: for  in  the  Lord  Jehovah  is  everlasting  strength.  Heb. 
11.  1,  3,  6.  John  14.  1.  Is.  26.  4.  ||  Heb.  11.  32—34,  39,  40,  13 
—16.  1  Pet.  2.  17.  Mat.  8.  8—10. 

Do  you  live  by  faith  on  the  Son  of  God  ?  Does  your  faith 
purify  your  heart  and  life  ? 

44.  Are  we  justified  in  the  sight  of  God  by  works,  or  by 
faith  ? 

Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law  there  shall  no  flesh  be  jus- 
tified in  the  sight  of  God  :  for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of 
sin.  Where  is  boasting  then  ?  It  is  excluded.  By  what  law  ? 
of  works  ?  Nay,  but  by  the  law  of  faith.  Therefore  we  con- 
clude that  a  man  is  justified  by  faith  without  the  deeds  of  the 
law.  Do  we  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ?  God  forbid  : 
yea,  we  establish  the  law.  Rom.  3.  20,  27,  28,  31.  ||  Gal.  2.  16. 
Rom.  4.  2—8. 

How  do  you  expect  to  be  justified  before  God  ? 

45.  Are  not  good  works  commanded  ? 

This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  these  things  I  will  that  thou  af- 
firm constantly,  that  they  which  have  believed  in  God,  might 
be  careful  to  maintain  good  works  :  these  things  are  good  and 
profitable  unto  men.-  For  we  are  his  workmanship,  created  in 
Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works,  which  God  hath  before  ordain- 
ed that  we  should  walk  in  them.-  But  wilt  thou  know,  O  vain 
man,  that  faith  without  works  is  dead  ?  Was  not  Abraham  our 
father  justified  by  works,  when  he  had  offered  Isaac  his  son  up- 
on the  altar  ?  Seest  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his  works, 
and  by  works  was  faith  made  perfect  ?  And  the  scripture  was 
fulfilled  which-  saith,  Abraham  believed  God,  and  it  was  impu- 

(h)  See  Appendix,  Note  H. 


31 

ted  unto  him  for  righteousness  :  and  he  was  called  the  friend  of 
Ye  see  then  how  that  by  works  a  man  is  justified,  and 
not  by  faith  only.  Tit.  3.  8.  Eph.  2.  10.  Jam.  2.  20—24. 
jl  2  Tim.  2.  21.  Mat.  5.  16.  Col.  1.  10.  John  15.  8.  Heb.  10. 
24.  2  Pet.  1.  5—11.  1  Cor.  15.  58. 

Have  you  felt  good  works  to  be  both  your  duty  and  privi- 
lege ?  Have  you  experienced  their  profitableness  ? 

46     Will  works  be  brought  into  Judgment  ? 

For  we  must  Ai.i.  appear  before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ ; 
that  every  one  may  receive  the  things  done  in  his  body,  ac- 
cording to  that  he  hath  done,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad.-  For 
God  shall  bring  every  work  into  judgment,  with  every  secret 
tiling,  whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be  evil.-  And  I  saw 
the  dead,  small  and  great,  stand  before  God  ;  and  the  books 
were  opened :  and  another  book  was  opened,  which  is  the 
book  of  life  :  and  the  dead  were  judged  out  of  those  things 
which  were  written  in  the  books,  according  to  their  works. 
And  the  sea  gave  up  the  dead  which  were  in  it ;  and  death  and 
hell  delivered  up  the  dead  which  were  in  them  ;  and  they  were 
judged  every  man  according  to  their  works.  2  Cor.  5.  10.  Eccl. 
12.  14.  Rev.  20.  12,  13.  ||  Job  34.  10,  11.  Is.  3. 10,  11.  Mat. 
16.  27. 

What  works  have  you  to  be  brought  into  judgment  ?  Are  you 
labouring  for  God  ? 

47.  Does  not  God  estimate  works  by  the  state  of  the.  heart 
from  which  they  proceed  ? 

Every  way  of  a  man  i?.  right  in  his  own  eyes  :  but  the  Lord 
pondereth  the  hearts.  To  do  justice  and  judgment  is  more  ac- 
ceptable to  the  Lord  than  sacrifice.  A  high  look,  and  a  proud 
heart,  and  the  ploughing  of  the  wicked,  is  sin.-  I  the  Lord 
search  the  heart,  I  try  the  reins,  even  to  give  every  man  ac- 
cording to  his  ways,  and  according  to  the  fruit  of  his  doings. 
Frov.  21.  2—4.  Jer.  17.  10.  ||  1  Sam.  16.  7.  1  Chron.  29.  17. 
Rev.  2.  23. 

Is  your  heart  right  in  the  sight  of  God  ?  Have  you  frequent- 
ly inquired  how  your  heart  appears  to  God  ? 

48.  Is  salvation  of  debt  or  of  Grace  ?  (i) 

For  by  grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith ;  and  that  not  of 
yourselves  ;  it  is  the  gift  of  God.  Not  of  works,  lest  any  man 
should  boast.  For  we  are  his  workmanship,  created  in  Christ 
Jesus  unto  good  works,  which  God  hath  before  ordained  that 
we  should  walk  in  them.-  Not  by  works  of  righteousness,  which 

(i)  See  Appendix,  Note  I. 


32 

we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the 
washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
which  he  shed  on  us  abundantly  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Saviour  :  That  being  justified  by  his  grace,  we  should  be  made 
heirs  according  to  the  hope  of  eternal  life.  Eph.  2.  8 — 10.  Tit. 
3.  5—7.  ||  Eph.  1.  7.  and  2.  5—7.  Rom.  5.  20,  21. 

Do  you  love  the  soul-humbling  doctrines  of  salvation  by 
grace  ? 

49.  Are  not  all  who  enjoy  the  light  of  the  glorious  Gospel, 
called,  invited,  and  entreated,  freely  and  cordially  to  accept  of  sal- 
vation ? 

Look  unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved,  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  : 
for  I  am  God,  and  there  is  none  else.-  Ho,  every  one  that 
thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters,  and  he  that  hath  no  money ; 
come  ye,  buy,  and  eat ;  yea,  come,  buy  wine,  and  milk  with- 
out money  and  without  price.  Wherefore  do  ye  spend  money 
for  that  which  is  not  bread  ?  and  your  labour  for  that  which  satis- 
fieth  not  ?  Hearken  diligently  unto  me,  and  eat  ye  that  which  is 
good,  and  let  your  soul  delight  itself  in  fatness.-  And  the  Spirit 
and  the  bride  say,  come,  and  let  him  that  heareth  say,  come, 
and  let  him  that  is  athirst  come.  And  whosoever  will,  let 
him  take  the  water  of  life  freely.  Is.  45.  22.  and  55.  1,  2. 
Rev.  22.  27.  ||  Ez.  18.  21,  22.  Is.  1.  18—20.  and  2.  10. 

How  inexcusable  must  you  be  if  you  fail  of  salvation  ? 

50.  Has  God  any  pleasure  in  the  misery  and  destruction  of 
the  wicked,  in  itself  considered  ? 

The  Lord  is  not  slack  concerning  his  promise,  as  some  men 
count  slackness ;  but  is  long-suffering  to  us-ward,  not  willing 
that  any  should  perish,  but  that  all  should  come  to  repentance.- 
Have  I  any  pleasure  at  all  that  the  wicked  should  die  ? 
saith  the  Lord  God  ;  and  not  that  he  should  return  from  his 
ways  and  live.-  Or  despisest  thou  the  riches  of  his  goodness, 
and  forbearance,  and  long-suffering ;  not  knowing  that  the 
goodness  of  God  leadeth  thee  to  repentance  ?-  Say  unto  them, 
as  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  God,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death 
of  the  wicked ;  but  that  the  wicked  turn  from  his  way  and  live  ; 
turn  ye,  turn  ye  from  your  evil  ways ;  for  why  will  ye  die,  O 
house  of  Israel  ?  2  Pet.  3.  9.  Ez.  18.  23.  Rom.  2.  4.  Ez.  33.  11. 
||  Is.  30,  18.  1  Tim.  2—4.  and  1.  14, 15.  Ez.  18.  32. 

The  purposes  of  God  are  the  rule  of  his  conduct,  his  com- 
mands the  rule  of  ours.  Do  you  approve  the  secret  will  of 
God  ?  Are  you  in  any  measure  conformed  to  his  revealed  will  ? 

51.  What  is  the  tenor  of  the  covenant  of  grace  ? 

Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me ;  hear,  and  your  soul 


33 

shall  live ;  and  1  will  make  an  everlasting  covenant  with  you, 
even  the  sure  mercies  of  David.-  For  this  is  the  covenant  that 
I  will  make  with  the  house  of  Israel,  After  those  days,  saith 
the  Lord,  I  will  put  my  laws  into  their  mind,  and  write  them 
in  their  hearts :  and  I  will  be  to  them  a  God,  and  they  shall  be 
to  me  a  people.  Is.  55.  3.  Heb.  8.  10.  ||  Jer.  31.  33.  and  50. 
5.  Gen.  17.  7.  Ps.  103.  17,  18. 

Have  you  by  faith  embraced  the  precious  covenant  in  which 
God  engages  I  will,  and  ye  shall  ?  Have  you  a  stable  hope 
in  it? 

52.  Who  is  the  Mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  or  covenant  of 
grace  ? 

Now  of  the  things  which  we  have  spoken  this  is  the  sum: 
We  have  such  a  high  priest,  who  is  set  on  the  right  hand  of 
the  throne  of  the  Majesty  in  the  heavens.  But  now  hath  he 
obtained  a  more  excellent  ministry,  by  how  much  also  he  is  the 
Mediator  of  a  better  covenant,  which  was  established  upon  bet- 
ter promises.  For  finding  fault  with  them,  he  saith,  Behold, 
the  days  come,  saith  the  Lord,  when  I  will  make  a  new  cove- 
nant with  the  house  of  Israel,  and  with  the  house  of  Judah. 
For  I  will  be  merciful  to  their  unrighteousness,  and  their  sins 
and  their  iniquities  will  I  remember  no  more.  For  there  is  one 
God,  and  one  Mediator  between  God  and  man,  the  man  Christ 
Jesus  ;  Who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all,  to  be  testified  in  due 
time.  Heb.  8.  1,  6,  8,  12.  1  Tim.  2.  5,  6.  J|  Gal.  3.  19,  20. 
Heb.  7.  22.  and  12.  24,  25.  Is.  42.  6. 

Do  you  look  to  God  for  blessings,  only  through  this  glorious 
Mediator  ?  Do  your  prayers  and  praises  ascend  in  his  name  ? 

53.  Is  Christ  both  able,  and  willing  to  save  penitent  sinners  of 
every  description  i 

This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners  ;  of  whom  1 
am  chief.-  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the  utter- 
most that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  them.-  For  such  a  high  priest  became  us,  who 
is  holy,  harmless,  undefiled,  separate  from  sinners,  and  made 
higher  than  the  heavens.-  For  in  him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness 
of  the  Godhead  bodily.-  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a 
propitiation  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteous- 
ness for  the  remission  of  sins  that  are  past,  through  the  for- 
bearance of  God.  1  Tim.  1.  15.  Heb.  7.  26,26.  Col.  2.  0. 
Rom.  3.  25.  ||  John  1.  1,  14.  and  10.  25,  30.  Is.  45.  22,  23. 
Rom.  3.  24—26.  Phil.  2.  9—11. 


34 

Have  you  felt  yourself  the  chief  of  sinners  ?  Are  you  peni- 
tent and  believing  ? 

54.  Why  was  it  necessary,  that  the  Mediator  between  the 
Father  and  sinners  should  be  man  ? 

Forasmuch  then  as  the  children  are  partakers  of  flesh  and 
blood,  he  also  himself  likewise  took  part  of  the  same  ;  that 
through  death  he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the  power  of 
death,  that  is,  the  devil.-  But  we  see  Jesus,  who  was  made  a 
little  lower  than  the  angels  for  the  suffering  of  death,  crowned 
with  glory  and  honour ;  that  he  by  the  grace  of  God  should 
taste  death  for  every  man.  For  it  became  him,  for  whom 
are  all  things,  and  by  whom  are  all  things,  in  bringing  many 
sons  unto  glory,  to  make  the  Captain  of  their  salvation  perfect 
through  sufferings.  And  for  this  cause  he  is  the  Mediator  of 
the  new  testament,  that  by  means  of  death,  for  the  redemption 
of  the  transgressions  that  were  under  the  first  testament,  thev 
which  are  called  might  receive  the  promise  of  eternal  inheri- 
tance. Heb.  2.  14,  9,  10.  and  9.  13—15.  ||  Gal.  4.  4,  5.  Heb 
2.  16.  and  4.  14—16. 

Do  you  discern  the  admirable  wisdom  of  God  in  the  incarna 
tion  of  Christ  ?  Can  you  glory  in  his  cross  ? 

55.  What  is  the  Scripture  doctrine  of  the  Atonement  ? 

But  Christ  being  come  a  high  priest  of  good  things  to  come, 
by  a  greater  and' more  perfect  tabernacle,  not  made  with  hands, 
that  is  to  say,  not  of  this  building ;  Neither  by  the  blood  of 
goats  and  calves,  but  by  his  own  blood ;  he  entered  once  into 
the  holy  place,  having  obtained  eternal  redemption  for  us. 
For  if  the  blood  of  bulls,  and  of  goats,  and  the  ashes  of  a 
heifer  sprinkling  the  unclean,  sanctifieth  to  the  purifying  of  the 
flesh  :  how  much  more  shall  the  blood  of  Christ,  who  through 
the  eternal  Spirit  offered  himself  without  spot  to  God,  purge 
your  conscience  from  dead  works,  to  serve  the  living  God.- 
Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs  and  carried  our  sorrows :  yet 
we  did  esteem  him  stricken,  smitten  of  God,  and  afflicted.  But 
he  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  he  was  bruised  for  our 
iniquities :  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him ;  and 
with  his  stripes  we  are  healed.  All  we  like  sheep  have  gone 
astray ;  we  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own  way ;  and  the 
Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.-  My  little  chil- 
dren ;  these  things  write  I  unto  you,  that  ye  sin  not.  And  if 
any  man  sin,  we  have  an  Advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus 
Christ  the  righteous  :  For  he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins ;  and 
not  for  ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world. 


35 

Heb.  9.  11—14.  Is.  53.  4—6.  1  John  2.  1,2.  ||  John  1.  29.  Heb. 
10.  19—24.  1  Pet.  2.  24.  and  3.  18. 

Can  you  renounce  all  dependance  on  your  own  doings  for 
justification,  and  rely  on  the  atonement?  Do  you  build  your 
hopes  of  heaven  exclusively  on  this  ? 

56.  Was  the  humiliation  of  Christ  designed  to  display  the 
glory  of  God,  in  the  sanctijication  and  salvation  of  j)erishing 
sinners  ? 

And  the  word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us,  and  we 
beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only-begotten  of  the 
Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth.-  And  Jesus  answered  them, 
saying,  the  hour  is  come,  that  the  Son  of  man  should  be  glori- 
fied. Now  is  my  soul  troubled  ;  and  what  shall  I  say  ?  Father, 
save  me  from  this  hour :  but  for  this  cause  came  I  unto  this 
hour.  Father,  glorify  thy  name.  Then  came  there  a  voice 
from  heaven,  saying,  I  have  both  glorified  it,  and  will  glorify  it. 
again.-  Herein  is  my  Father  glorified,  that  ye  bear  much  fruit ; 
so  shall  ye  be  my  disciples.-  Looking  unto  Jesus  the  author  and 
the  finisher  of  our  faith  ;  who  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before 
him  endured  the  cross,  despising  the  shame,  and  is  set  down  at 
the  right  hand  of  the  throne  of  God.  For  consider  him  that 
endured  such  contradiction  of  sinners  against  himself,  lest  ye 
be  wearied  and  faint  in  your  minds.-  For  ye  know  the  grace 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that,  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for 
your  sakes  he  became  poor,  that  ye  through  his  poverty  might 
be  rich.  John  1.  14.  and  12.  23,  27,  28.  and  15.  8.  Heb.  12. 
2,  3.  2  Cor.  8.  9.  ||  Mat.  5.  17.  Rom.  5.  19.  Heb.  2.  17.  Rom. 
4.  25.  Phil.  2.  5—8. 

Have  you  beheld  the  glory  of  divine  grace  in  the  humilia- 
tion of  Christ  ?  Does  it  fill  you  with  admiration  and  gratitude ? 

57.  Is  Christ  King  in  Zion .? 

Him  hath  God  exalted  with  his  right  hand  to  be  a  Prince  and 
a  Saviour,  for  to  give  repentance  to  Israel,  and  forgiveness  of 
sins.-  Wherefore  God  also  hath  highly  exalted  him,  and  given 
him  a  name  which  is  above  every  name.  That  at  the  name 
of  Jesus  every  knee  should  bow,  of  things  in  heaven,  and 
things  in  earth,  and  things  under  the  earth ;  and  that  every 
tongue  should  confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord  to  the  glory  oi 
God  the  Father.  For  he  must  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all  ene- 
mies under  his  feet.-  The  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  sit  thou  at 
my  right  hand,  until  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  footstool.  The 
Lord  shall  send  the  rod  of  thy  strength  out  of  Zion  ;  rule  thou 
in  the  midst  of  thine  enemies.  Yet  have  I  set  my  king  upon 
my  holy  hill  of  Zion.     I  will  declare  the  decree :  The  Lord 


36 

hath  said  unto  me,  thou  art  my  son  ;  this  day  have  I  begotten 
thee.  Ask  of  me,  and  I  shall  give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine 
inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  pos- 
session. Acts  5.  31.  Phil.  2.  9—11.  1  Cor.  15.  25.  Ps.  110.  1, 
2.  and  2.  6—8.  ||  Rev.  14.  11—16.  and  1.  8.  and  3.  21.  ||  Ps. 
2.  12. 

Do  you  rejoice  that  the  King-  of  Zion  is  now  extending  his 
conquests  in  our  world  ?  Have  you  submitted  to  him  ?  Are  you 
governed  by  him  and  aiding  his  conquests  ? 

58.  Are  any  of  the  human  race  given  to  Christ  in  the  cove- 
nant  of  redemption? 

Yet  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him  ;  he  hath  put  him  to 
grief:  when  thou  shalt  make  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin,  he 
shall  see  his  seed,  he  shall  prolong  his  days,  and  the  pleasure 
of  the  Lord  shall  prosper  in  his  hand.  He  shall  see  of  the  tra- 
vail of  his  soul  and  shall  be  satisfied :  by  his  knowledge  shall 
my  righteous  servant  justify  many  ;  for  he  shall  bear  their  ini- 
quities.- And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  I  am  the  bread  of  life ;  he 
that  cometh  to  me  shall  never  hunger ;  and  he  that  belie veth 
on  me  shall  never  thirst.  All  that  the  Father  giveth  me  shall 
come  to  me  :  and  him  that  cometh  to  me,  I  will  in  no  wise  cast 
out.  For  I  came  down  from  heaven,  not  to  do  mine  own  will, 
but  the  will  of  him  that  sent  me.  And  this  is  the  Father's  will 
which  hath  sent  me,  that  of  all  which  he  hath  given  me,  I 
should  lose  nothing :  but  should  raise  it  up  at  the  last  day. 
No  man  can  come  unto  me,  except  the  Father  which  hath  sent 
me  draw  him  ;  and  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day.  Is.  53. 
10,  11.  John  6.  35,  37,  39,  44.  ||  and  10.  14—16  26—28.  and 
17.  6—11.  Is.  42.  5—7. 

Are  you  pleased  that  some  are  given  to  Christ  ?  Do  you  rely 
on  sanctification  as  the  only  sure  evidence  of  being  given  to 
him  ? 

59.  Are  some  of  mankind  adopted  as  children  and  heirs  of 
God? 

Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  JesurtDhrist, 
who  hath  blessed  us  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in  heavenly 
places  in  Christ :  According  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him  before 
the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we  should  be  holy  and  with- 
out blame  before  him  in  love  ;  having  predestinated  us  unto 
the  adoption  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  according 
to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will,  to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of 
his  grace,  wherein  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  Beloved.- 
Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed  upon 
us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  suns  of  God:  therefore  the 


37 

world  knoweth  us  not,  because  it  knew  him  not.  Beloved, 
now  are  we  the  sons  of  God,  and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we 
shall  be :  but  we  know  that,  when  he  shall  appear,  we  shall 
be  like  him ;  for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is.  And  every  man 
that  hath  this  hope  in  him,  purifieth  himself,  even  as  he  is  pure.- 
For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they  are  the  sons 
of  God.  And  if  children,  then  heirs :  heirs  of  God,  and  joint 
heirs  with  Christ ;  if  so  be  that  we  suffer  with  him,  that  we 
may  be  also  glorified  together.  Eph.  1.  3 — 6.  1  John  3.  1 — 3. 
Rom.  8.  14,  17.  ||  John  1.  12.  Gal.  4.  4—6.  2  Cor.  6.  18.  Prov. 
3.  12.  Ps.  103.  13.  Prov.  14.  26.  Mat.  6.  32.  Eph.  2.  19—22. 

How  great  the  condescension  of  God  in  adopting  worms 
of  the  dust !  What  evidence  have  you  that  you  are  a  child  oi 
God? 

60.  Are  those  whom  "  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  to 
salvation  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  and  belief  of  the 
truth,"  called  with  an  internal  holy  calling  ? 

Jude,  the  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  brother  of  James,  to 
them  that  are  sanctified  by  God  the  Father,  and  preserved 
in  Jesus  Christ,  and  called :  Mercy  unto  you,  and  peace,  and 
love,  be  multiplied.-  Wherefore  I  also,  after  I  heard  of  your 
faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  love  unto  all  the  saints,  cease  not 
to  give  thanks  for  you,  making  mention  ol  you  in  my  prayers. 
That  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Father  of  glory, 
may  give  unto  you  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  revelation  in  the 
knowledge  of  him.  The  eyes  of  your  understanding  being  en- 
lightened ;  that  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his  calling, 
and  what  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints. 
Who  hath  saved  us,  and  called  us  with  a  holy  calling,  not  ac- 
cording to  our  works,  but  according  to  his  own  purpose  and 
grace,  which  was  given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world 
began.  According  as  his  divine  power  hath  given  unto  us  all 
things  that  pertain  unto  life  and  godliness,  through  the  know- 
ledge of  him  that  hath  called  us  to  glory  and  virtue.-  And  we 
know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love 
God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpose. 
Jude  1.  2.  Eph.  1.  15—18.  2  Tim.  1.  9.  2  Pet.  1.  3.  Rom.  8. 
28.  ||  Heb.  3.  1.  1  Cor.  1.  9,  26,  27.  Rom.  8.  30.  Eph.  4.  1,  2. 
2  Thes.  1,  11,  12. 

Have  you  experienced  this  internal  calling?  What  effects 
nas  it  produced  ? 

61.  What  is  REGENERATION?  (k) 

Jesus  answered^,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  Except  a 

(k)  See  Appendix,  Note  K. 
D 


38 

man  be  born  of  water,  and  of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into 
the  kingdom  of  God.-  Therefore  if  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is 
a  new  creature  :  old  things  are  passed  away ;  behold,  all  things 
are  become  new.-  And  they  that  are  Christ's  have  crucified 
the  flesh,  with  the  affections  and  lusts.-  But  God  forbid  that  I 
should  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by 
whom  the  worjd  is  crucified  unto  me,  and  I  unto  the  world.- 
If  so  be  that  ye  have  heard  him,  and  have  been  taught  by  hiin, 
as  the  truth  is  in  Jesus.  That  ye  put  off,  concerning  the  for- 
mer conversation  the  old  man,  which  is  corrupt  according  to 
the  deceitful  lusts  ;  And  be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  your  mind. 
And  that  ye  put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is  created 
in  righteousness  and  true  holiness.  John  3.  5.  2  Cor.  5.  17. 
Gal.  5.  24.  and  6.  14.  Eph.  4.  21—24.  ||  Rom  8.  9,  10.  and  6. 
4—6.  Phil.  3.  7—9.  Col.  3.  1,  2,  9,  10.  Ps.  51.  10.  2  Cor.  4.  6. 
and  3.  18.  Ez.  36.  26. 

Have  you  new  and  holy  views,  affections  and  pursuits  ?  Do 
you  love  holiness  and  hate  sin  ? 

62.  Is  Regeneration  indispensably  necessary  to  salvation  ? 
Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto 

thee,  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom 
of  God.  That  which  is  born  of  the  flesh,  is  flesh ;  and  that 
which  is  born  of  the  Spirit,  is  spirit.  As  it  is  written,  there  is 
none  righteous,  no,  not  one  :  There  is  none  that  understandeth, 
there  is  none  that  seeketh  after  God.  They  are  all  gone  out 
of  the  way,  they  are  together  become  unprofitable :  there  is 
none  that  doeth  good,  no,  not  one.-  The  heart  is  deceitful  above 
all  things,  and  desperately  wicked,  who  can  know  it  ?  As  in 
water,  face  answereth  to  face  ;  so  the  heart  of  man  to  man.- 
And  I  John  saw  the  holy  city,  new  Jerusalem,  coming 
down  from  God  out  of  heaven,  prepared  as  a  bride  adorned 
for  her  husband.  And  there  shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  it  any 
thing  that  defileth,  neither  whatsoever  worketh  abomination, 
or  maketh  a  lie  ;  but  they  which  are  written  in  the  Lamb's 
book  of  life.-  Follow  peace  with  all  men,  and  holiness,  with 
out  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.  John  3.  3,  6.  Rom.  3. 
10—12.  Jer.  17.  9.  Prov.  27.  19.  Rev.  21.  2,  27.  Heb.  12.  14. 
||  Mat  5.  20.  and  18.  3.  Luke  13.  2,  3,  24. 

Have  you  felt  the  necessity  of  this  radical,  moral  change  of 
the  heart  ?  Have  you  experienced  it  ? 

63.  As  Christians  in  themselves  hare  no  strength  for  perse- 
verance, does  the  unchangeable  love,  (1)  and  covenant  grace  of 
God  stand  pledged  that  saints  shall  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord 
persevere  ? 

(1)  See  Appendix,  Note  L. 


39 

The  Lord  hath  appeared  of  old  unto  me,  saying,  Yea,  I  have 
loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love ;  therefore  with  loving- 
kindness  have  I  drawn  thee.-  Who  shall  also  confirm  you  un- 
to the  end,  that  ye  may  be  blameless  in  the  day  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  God  is  faithful,  by  whom  ye  were  called  unto 
the  fellowship  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.-  Although  my 
house  be  not  so  with  God  ;  yet,  he  hath  made  with  me  an  ever- 
lasting covenant,  ordered  in  all  things,  and  sure  ;  for  this  is  all 
my  salvation,  and  all  my  desire,  although  he  make  it  not  to 
grow.-  Neverftieless,  the  foundation  of  God  standeth  sure, 
having  this  seal,  the  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  his.  And 
let  every  one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Christ,  depart  from  ini- 
quity.- Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
which  according  to  his  abundant  mercy  hath  begotten  us  again 
unto  a  lively  hope  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from  the 
dead.  To  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  and  undenled,  and  that 
fadeth  not  away,  reserved  in  heaven  for  you.  Who  are  kept 
by  the  power  of  God  through  faith  unto  salvation,  ready  to  be 
revealed  in  the  last  time.  Jer.  31.  3.  1  Cor.  1.  8,  9.  2  Sam.  23. 
5.  2  Tim.  2.  19.  1  Pet.  1.  3—5.  ||  Jer.  32.  40.  1  John  2. 27,  28. 
Heb.  13.  20,  21. 

Does  your  hope  excite  in  you  desires  and  efforts  to  persevere  ? 
Is  any  other  hope  safe  ? 

64.   What  directions  and  promises  respect  trusting  in  God  ? 

Offer  the  sacrifices  of  righteousness,  and  put  your  trust  in  the 
Lord.-  Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good,  so  shaft  thou  dwell  iu 
the  land,  and  verily  thou  shalt  be  fed.  Delight  thyself,  also 
in  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  give  thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart. 
Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord,  trust  also  in  him  and  he  shall 
bring  it  to  pass.  And  the  Lord  shall  help  them,  and  deliver 
them :  he  shall  deliver  them  from  the  wicked,  and  save  them, 
because  they  trust  in  him.  Cast  thy  burden  upon  the  Lord, 
and  he  shall  sustain  thee :  he  shall  never  suffer  the  righteous 
to  be  moved.-  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind 
is  stayed  on  thee  :  because  he  trusteth  in  thee.-  Trust  ye  in  the 
Lord  forever  ;  for  in  the  Lord  Jehovah  is  everlasting  strength.- 
Blessed  is  the  man  that  trUsteth  in  the  Lord,  and  whose  hope 
the  Lord  is.-  For  he  shall  be  as  a  tree  planted  by  the  waters, 
and  that  spreadeth  out  her  roots  by  the  river,  and  shall  not  see 
when  heat  cometh,  but  her  leaf  shall  be  green,  and  shall  not  be 
careful  in  the  year  of  drought,  neither  shall  cease  'from  yielding 
fruit.  Ps.  4.  5.  and  37.  3—5,  40.  and  55.  22.  Is.  26.  3,  4.  Jer. 
17. 7,  8.  ||  Ps.  25.  2.  and  31.  19,  20.  and  56.  3,  4.  Eph.  1. 12, 13. 

Can  you  repose  entire  confidence  in  God  ?  Can  you  commit 
your  all  to  him ? 


40 

$5.  How  is  love  to  God  manifested  ? 

And  we  have  known  and  believed  the  love  that  God  hath  to 
us.  God  is  love ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in  love  dwelleth  in 
God,  and  God  in  him.-  There  is  no  fear  in  love  ;  but  perfect 
love  casteth  out  .fear :  because  fear  hath  torment.  He  that 
feareth  is  not  made  perfect  in  love  :  Whosoever  believeth  that 
Jesus  is  the  Christ,  is  born  of  God  ;  and  every  one  that  loveth 
him  that  begat,  loveth  him  also  that  is  begotten  of  him.  By 
this  we  know  that  we  love  the  children  of  God,  when  we  love 
God,  and  keep  his  commandments.  For  this  is  the  love  of 
God,  that  we  keep  his  commandments  ;  and  his  commandments 
are  not  grievous.-  Charity  suffereth  long,  and  is  kind  ;  charity 
envieth  not ;  charity  vaunteth  not  itself,  is  not  puffed  up, 
Doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly,  seeketh  not  her  own,  is  not 
easily  provoked,  thinketh  no  evil ;  Rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity, 
but  rejoiceth  in  the  truth ;  Beareth  all  things,  believeth  all 
things,  hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all  things.-  Love  worketh 
no  ill  to  his  neighbour ;  therefore  love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the 
law.  1  John  4.  16,  18.  and  5.  1—3.  1  Cor.  13.  4—7.  Rom. 
13.  10.  ||  1  Tim.  1.  5.  1  John  2.  5, 15.  and  4.  20,  21.  Its  priv- 
ileges. Ps.  145.  20.  Rom.  8.  28.  1  Cor.  2.  9. 

Is  your  love  for  God  scriptural  ?  Is  it  manifested  by  keeping 
his  commandments  ? 

66.   What  are  signs  of  self  deception  and  hypocrisy  ? 

There  is  a  generation  that  are  pure  in  their  own  eyes,  and 
yet  is  not  washed  from  their  filthiness.  Which  say,  stand  by 
thyself,  come  not  near  to  me ;  for  I  am  holier  than  thou. 
These  are  a  smoke  in  my  nose,  a  fire  that  burneth  all  the  day.- 
And  he  spake  this  parable  unto  certain  which  trusted  in  them- 
selves that  they  were  righteous,  and  despised  others.  Two 
men  went  up  into  the  temple  to  pray  ;  the  one  a  Pharisee,  and 
the  other  a  publican.  The  Pharisee  stood  and  prayed  thus 
with  himself,  God,  I  thank  thee,  that  I  am  not  as  other  men 
are,  extortioners,  unjust,  adulterers,  or  even  as  this  publican. 
I  fact  twice  in  the  week,  I  give  tithes  of  all  that  I  possess.  And 
the  publican,  standing  afar  off,  would  not  lift  up  so  much  as  his 
eyes  unto  heaven,  but  smote  upon  his  breast,  saying,  God  be 
merciful  to  me  a  sinner.  I  tell  you,  this  man  went  down  to 
his  house  justified  rather  than  the  other :  for  every  one  that 
exalteth  himself  shall  be  abased  ;  and  he  that  humbleth  him- 
self shall  be  exalted.-  But  wo  unto  you,  Pharisees !  for  ye 
tithe  mint,  and  rue,  and  all  mariner  of  herbs,  and  pass  over 
judgment  and  the  love  of  God  :  these  ought  ye  to  have  done, 
and  not  to  leave  the  other  undone.     Prov.  30.  12.  Is.  65.  5. 


41 

Luke  18.  9—14.  and  11.  42.  ||  Mat,  23.  25,  27,  28,  33.  and 
15.  7—9.  Job  27.  10.  (m) 

Do  you  think  highly  of  your  own  moral  goodness  ?  Are  you 
more  solicitous  how  you  shall  appear  to  men  than  how  you  ap 
pear  to  God  ? 

67.  What  is  the  character  and  destination  of  those  that  fear 
the  Lord  ? 

Then  they  that  feared  the  Lord  spake  often  one  to  another ; 
and  the  Lord  hearkened,  and  heard  it,  and  a  book  of  remem- 
brance was  written  before  him  for  them  that  feared  the  Lord, 
and  that  thought  upon  his  name.  And  they  shall  be  mine, 
saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  in  that  day  when  I  make  up  my  jew- 
els ;  and  I  will  spare  them,  as  a  man  spare  th  his  own  son  that 
serveth  him.  Then  shall  ye  return,  and  discern  between  the 
righteous  and  the  wicked,  between  him  that  serveth  God,  and 
him  that  serveth  him  not.  Mai.  3.  16—18.  ||  Prov.  22.  4.  Is. 
50.  10.  Ps.  147.  11. 

How  wonderful  that  redeemed  sinners  should  be  the  chief 
treasure  of  Jehovah  !  Are  you  prepared  by  grace  to  be  a  gem  in 
the  New  Jerusalem  ? 

68.  What  is  the  language  of  those  who  glorify  God  in  their 
bodies  and  in  their  spirits  ? 

Thou  shalt  guide  me  with  thy  counsel,  and  afterward  re- 
ceive me  to  glory.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and 
there  is  none  upon  earth  that  I  desire  besides  thee.  My  flesh 
and  my  heart  faileth :  but  God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart, 
and  my  portion  forever.-  I  have  set  the  Lord  always  before  me : 
because  he  is  on  my  right  hand,  I  shall  not  be  moved.-  Be  glad 
in  the  Lord,  and  rejoice,  ye  righteous :  and  shout  for  joy,  all 
ye  that  are  upright  in  heart.-  Cause  me  to  hear  thy  loving- 
kindness  in  the  morning ;  for  in  thee  do  I  trust :  cause  me  to 
know  the  way  wherein  I  should  walk :  for  I  lift  up  my  soul 
unto  thee.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine  enemies :  I  flee 
unto  thee  to  hide  me.  Teach  me  to  do  thy  will ;  for  thou  art 
my  God  :  thy  Spirit  is  good  ;  lead  me  into  the  land  of  upright- 
ness. Ps,  73.  24—26.  and  16.  8.  and  32.  11.  and  143.  8—10. 
||  Ps.  62.  7.  and  63.  1—4.  and  92.  1,  2,  4.  and  118.  23,  24. 
and  119.  5,  14—16,  32,  64,  111,  128,  133,  166.  and  145.  1,  2. 
and  146.  2.  and  116.  12.  and  139.  17,  18.  Hab.  3.  17,  18. 

Do  you  habitually  look  to  God  as  your  guide  ?  Have  you 
chosen  him  for  your  portion  ? 

69.  What  was' St.  Paul's  manner  of  lift,  before  he  became  a 
Christian,  as  described  by  himself? 

(m)  See  Appendix,  Note  M. 
I)  2 


42 

My  manner  of  life  from  my  youth,  which  was  at  the  first 
among"  mine  own  nation  at  Jerusalem,  know  all  the  Jews, 
Which  knew  me  from  the  beginning,  (if  they  would  testify)  that 
after  the  most  straitest  sect  of  our  religion,  I  lived  a  Pharisee. 
I  verily  thought  with  myself,  that  I  ought  to  do  many  things 
contrary  to  the  name  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth.  Which  thing  I  also 
did  in  Jerusalem :  and  many  of  the  saints  did  I  shut  up  in  pri- 
son, having  received  authority  from  the  chief  priests ;  and  when 
they  were  put  to  death,  I  gave  my  voice  against  them.  And  I 
punished  them  oft  in  every  synagogue,  and  compelled  them  to 
blaspheme  ;  and  being  exceedingly  mad  against  them,  I  perse- 
cuted them  even  unto  strange  cities.  Acts  26.  4,  5,  9,  10,  11. 
||  Phil.  3.4—6.  1  Tim.  1.  12—16.  Gal.  1.  13,  14. 

Did  sincerity  justify  Paul  when  doing  wrong?  Will  sin- 
cerity justify  you  in  error,  if  you  have  means  of  knowing  the 
truth  ? 

70.  What  was  PauPs  manner  of  life  after  he  became  -a  Chris- 
tian ? 

But  I  keep  under  my  body  and  bring  it  into  subjection :  lest 
that  by  any  means  when  I  have  preached  to  others,  I  myself 
should  be  a  cast-away.-  For  we  are  the  circumcision,  which 
worship  God  in  the  spirit,  and  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  have 
no  confidence  in  the  flesh.  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me, 
those  I  counted  loss  for  Christ.  Yea  doubtless,  and  I  count  all 
things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ 
Jesus  my  Lord  :  for  whom  I  have  suffered  the  loss  of  all  things, 
and  do  count  them  but  dung,  that  I  may  win  Christ,  And  be 
found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteousness,  which  is  of 
the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the 
righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith :  That  I  may  know  him, 
and  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  the  fellowship  of  his 
sufferings,  being  made  conformable  unto  his  death ;  If  by  any 
means  I  might  attain  unto  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  Not 
as  though  I  had  already  attained,  either  were  already  perfect  * 
but  I  follow  after,  if  that  I  may  apprehend  that  for  which  also 
I  am  apprehended  of  Christ  Jesus.  Brethren,  I  count  not  my 
self  to  have  apprehended :  but  this  one  thing  I  do,  forgetting 
those  things  which  are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  unto  those 
things  which  are  before,  I  press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize 
of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  I  can  do  all  things 
through  Christ  which  strengthened  me.  1  Cor.  9.  27.  Phil  3.  3, 
7—14.  and  4.  13.  ||  Acts  24.  16.  2  Cor.  1.  12. 

Was  not  St.  Paul  a  new  man  when  he  became  a  Christian : 
Like  him  do  you  keep  your  body  under? 


43 

71.  What  was  the  Apostle'1  s  language  in  view  of  sufferings, 
especially  for  ChrisVs  sake  ? 

I  know  both  how  to  be  abased,  and  I  know  how  to  abound : 
every  where  and  in  all  things  I  am  instructed  both  to  be  full 
and  to  be  hungry,  both  to  abound  and  to  suffer  need.-  And  now 
behold,  I  go  bound  in  the  spirit  unto  Jerusalem,  not  knowing  the 
things  that  shall  befall  me  there :  Save  that  the  Holy  Ghost 
witnesseth  in  every  city,  saying,  that  bonds  and  afflictions  abide 
me.  But  none  of  these  things  move  me,  neither  count  I  my 
life  dear  unto  myself,  so  that  1  might  finish  my  course  with  joy, 
and  the  ministry  which  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to 
testify  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.  Phil.  4.  12.  Acts  20. 
22—24.  ||  and  21.  11—14.  Rom.  5.  3—5.  2  Cor.  4.  8—18. 

Could  you  remain  unmoved  by  persecution  for  attachment  to 
Christ  ?  Is  his  cause  dearer  to  you  than  life  ? 

72.  What  was  PauVs  language  in  view  of  death  ? 

For  I  am  now  ready  to  be  offered,  and  the  time  of  my  depart- 
ure is  at  hand.  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my 
course,  I  have  kept  the  faith :  Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for 
me  a  crown  of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous 
Judge,  shall  give  me  at  that  day :  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto 
all  them  also  that  love  his  appearing.  2  Tim.  4.  6 — 8.  ||  and  4. 
18.  Phil.  1.  20—24. 

Were  you  dying  could  you  look  back  and  say,  a  I  have  kept 
the  faith  ?"  Could  your  hopes  securely  fasten  on  the  crown 
of  righteousness  ?  If  you  wish  to  die  like  the  apostle,  must  you 
not  live  like  him  ? 

73.  What  blessings  are  promised  to  ct  the  poor  in  spirit  7* 
For  the  needy  shall  not  always  be  forgotten :  the  expecta- 
tion of  the  poor  shall  not  perish  for  ever.-  He  will  regard  the 
prayer  of  the  destitute,  and  not  despise  their  prayer.-  For  thus 
saith  the  high  and  lofty  One,  that  inhabiteth  eternity,  whose 
name  is  Holy  ;  I  dwell  in  the  high  and  holy  place,  with  him 
also  that  is  of  a  contrite  and  humble  spirit,  to  revive  the  spirit 
of  the  humble,  and  to  revive  the  heart  of  the  contrite  ones.- 
But  to  this  man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor  and  of  a 
contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  at  my  word.-  Blessed  are  the  poor 
in  spirit :  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Ps.  9.  18.  and 
102.  17.  Is.  57.  15.  and  66.  2.  Mat.  5.  3.  ]|  Ps.  72.  2,  12.'  Jer. 
20,  13.  Job  5.  15,  16. 

Are  you  poor  in  spirit  ?    How  happy  must  the  contrite  be  \ 

74.  What  blessings  are  promised  to  mourners  in  Zion  ? 
Blessed  are  they  that  mourn :  for  they  shall  be  comforted*- 


44 

The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  God  is  upon  me  ;  because  the  Lord  hath 
anointed  me  to  preach  good  tidings  unto  the  meek  :  he  hath 
sent  me  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim  liberty 
to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that 
are  bound ;  To  proclaim  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  day  of  vengeance  of  our  God  ;  to  comfort  all  that 
mourn  ;  To  appoint  unto  them  that  mourn  in  Zion,  to  give  un- 
to them  beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  the  gar- 
ment of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness ;  that  they  might  be 
called  Trees  of  Righteousness,  The  Planting  of  the  Lord,  that 
he  might  be  glorified.  Mat-  5.  4.  Is.  61.  1—3.  ||  Is.  57-  18.  and 
35.  10. 

Do  you  mourn  for  sin  ?  Is  this  your  greatest  grief? 

75.  WJiat  blessings  are  promised  to  the  meek  ? 

Blessed  are  the  meek :  for  they  shall  inherit  the  earth.-  The 
meek  will  he  guide  in  judgment,  and  the  meek  will  he  teach 
his  way.-  But  the  meek  shall  inherit  the  earth  ;  and  shall  de- 
light themselves  in  the  abundance  of  peace.-  But  let  it  be  the 
hidden  man  of  the  heart,  in  that  which  is  not  corruptible,  even 
the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  which  is  in  the  sight 
of  God  of  great  price.-  For  the  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  his 
people :  he  will  beautify  the  meek  with  salvation.  Mat.  5.  5. 
Ps.  25.  9.  and  37.  11.  1  Pet.  3.  4.  Ps.  149.  4.  ||  and  147.  6. 
Zeph.  2.  3.  1  Pet.  3.  15. 

Are  you  patient  under  injuries  ?  Do  you  desire  to  be  more  so  ? 

76.  Wliat  blessings  are  promised  those  ivho  M  hunger  and  thirst 
after  righteousness  ?" 

For  the  bread  of  God  is  he  which  cometh  down  from  heaven, 
and  giveth  life  unto  the  world.  Then  said  they  unto  him, 
Lord,  evermore  give  us  this  bread.  And  Jesus  said  unto  them, 
I  am  the  bread  of  life :  he  that  cometh  to  me,  shall  never  hunger ; 
and  he  that  believeth  on  me,  shall  never  thirst.-  In  the  last  day, 
that  great  day  of  the  feast,  Jesus  stood  and  cried,  saying,  If 
any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto  me,  and  drink.  Blessed  are 
they  which  do  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness  :  for  they 
shall  be  filled.  John  6.  33—35.  and  7.  37.  Mat.  5.  6.  I!  John 
4.  13,  14.  Rev.  21.  6. 

Which  do  you  most  desire,  wealth,  honour*,  earthly  plea- 
suresr  or  holiness  ?  Do  you  pray  and  strive  to  be  holy  ? 

77.  What  blessings  are  promised  to  the  merciful  and  charita- 
ble man  ? 

There  is  that  scattereth,  and  yet  increaseth ;  and  there  is 
that  withholdeth  more  than  is  meet,  but  it  tendeth  to  poverty .- 
The  liberal  soul  shall  be  made  fat :  and  he  that  watereth  shall 


4b 

be  watered  also  himself.-  He  that  despiseth  his  neighbour  sin- 
neth :  but  he  that  hath  mercy  on  the  poor,  happy  is  he.- 
Blessed  is  he  that  considereth  the  poor :  the  Lord  will  deliver 
him  in  time  of  trouble.  The  Lord  will  preserve  him  and  keep 
him  alive:  and  he  shall  be  blessed  upon  the  earth:  and  thou 
wilt  not  deliver  him  unto  the  will  of  his  enemies.  The  Lord 
will  strengthen  him  upon  the  bed  of  languishing :  thou  wilt 
make  all  his  bed  in  his  sickness.-  Blessed  are  the  merciful : 
for  they  shall  obtain  mercy.  Prov.  11.  24,  25.  and  14.  21.  Ps. 
41. 1—3.  Mat.  5.  7.  ||  Ps.  41.  2,  3.  Acts  10. 2,  4.  Is.  58.  6—11. 
Jam.  2.  13.  Ps.  112.4,6,  9. 

Is  it  your  study  to  be  merciful  ?  Are  your  heart  and  hands 
opened  wide  for  religious  charities  ? 

78.  What  blessings  are  promised  to  the  "pure  in  heart  P* 
Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord  ?  and  who  shall 

stand  in  his  holy  place  ?  He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure 
heart ;  who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto  vanity,  nor  sworn 
deceitfully.  He  shall  receive  the  blessing  from  the  Lord,  and 
righteousness  from  the  God  of  his  salvation.-  Truly  God  is  good 
to  Israel,  even  to  such  as  are  of  a  clean  heart.-  Blessed  are  the 
pure  in  heart :  for  they  shall  see  God.  Ps.  24.  3 — 5.  and  73.  1. 
Mat.  5.  8.  ||  Ps.  7.  10.  and  97.  11.  Luke  8.  15.  1  Tim.  1.  5. 
Job  11.  13—15. 

Is  thine  heart  right  in  the  sight  of  God  ?  Do  you  cherish  no 
impure  thoughts  and  desires  ? 

79.  What  blessings  are  promised  to  u  peace-makers  ?" 

If  it  be  possible,  as  much  as  lieth  in  you,  live  peaceably  with 
all  men.-  Finally,  brethren,  farewell.  Be  perfect,  be  of  good 
comfort,  be  of  one  mind,  live  in  peace  ;  and  the  God  of  love  and 
peace  shall  be  with  you.-  Blessed  are  the  peace-makers :  for 
they  shall  be  called  the  children  of  God.     Rom.  12.  18. 2  Cor. 

13.  11.  Mat.  5.  9.  ||  Rom.  12.  17,  19.  and  14.  16—19.  Eph.  2. 
14—18. 

Do  you  habitually  study  the  things  which  make  for  peace  ? 
Can  you  make  great  sacrifices  for  the  peace  of  others  ? 

80.  What  blessings  are  promised  to  those  who  u  suffer  for 
righteousness^  sake  .?" 

Blessed  are  they  which  are  persecuted  for  righteousness'  sake : 
for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Blessed  are  ye  when  men 
shall  revile  you,  and  persecute  you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of 
evil  against  you  falsely,  for  my  sake.  Rejoice,  and  be  exceed- 
ing glad  :  for  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven  :  for  so  persecuted 
they  the  prophets  which  were  before  you.  Mat.  5.  10 — 12 
|]  Luke  6.  22,  23.  1  Pet.  3,  13—18.  2  Tim.  2.  12. 1  Pet.  4. 12- 

14.  Jam.  1.  2—4,  12. 


46 

Could  you  calmly  meet  reproaches  for  Christ's  sake  ?  Have 
you  any  portion  of  the  spirit  of  the  martyrs  ? 

81.  Will  God  perform  all,  his  promises  ? 

Know  therefore  that  the  Lord  thy  God,  he  is  God,  the  faith- 
ful God,  which  keepeth  covenant  and  mercy  with  them  that 
love  him,  and  keep  his  commandments,  to  a  thousand  genera- 
tions.- God  is  not  a  man,  that  he  should  lie  ;  neither  the  son  of 
man,  that  he  should  repent :  hath  he  said,  and  shall  he  not  do 
it  ?  or  hath  he  spoken,  and  shall  he  not  make  it  good  ?-  And 
ye  know  in  all  your  hearts,  and  in  all  your  souls,  that  not  one 
thing  hath  failed  of  all  the  good  things  which  the  Lord  your 
God  spake  concerning  you  ;  all  are  come  to  pass  unto  you,  and 
not  one  thing  hath  failed  thereof.  Deut.  7.  9.  Num.  23.  19. 
Josh.  23.  14.  ||  Ps.  18.  30.  and  89.  34.  and  105.  8.  and  119.  89, 
90.  Is.  25.  1.  and  46.  11.  Heb.  6.  18.  and  10.  23. 

How  little  confidence  any  one  of  us  reposes  in  the  promises 
of  God  !  Have  you  never  regarded  them  less,  than  the  promises 
of  some,  fellow  worm  ?  How  base  thus  to  treat  Infinite  ve- 
racity ! 

82.  JLre  Christians  directed  to  maintain  firm  confidence  in 
God? 

Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  elect ? 
It  is  God  that  justifieth :  Who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is 
Christ  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is  risen  again,  who  is  even  at 
the  right  hand  of  God,  who  also  maketh  intercession  for  us.- 
Therefore  being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  By  whom  also  we  have  access 
by  faith  into  this  grace  wherein  we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope 
of  the  glory  of  God.-  My  little  children, .  these  things  write 
I  unto  you,  that  ye  sin  not.  And  if  any  man  sin,  we  have  an 
advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous  :  And  he 
is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins  :  and  not  for  ours  only,  but  also 
for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world.  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly 
unto  the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find 
grace  to  help  in  time  of  need,  Rom.  8.  33,  34.  and  5.  1,2. 
1  John  2.  1,  2.  Heb.  4.  16.  ||  Rom.  8.  14—18.  Eph.  2.  18—22. 

Are  the  atonement  and  intercession  of  Christ  the  ground  of 
your  confidence  ?  May  not  Christians  be  cheerful  ? 

83.  What  is  the  language  of  the  believer  under  the  hidings  of 
God^s  countenance  ? 

I  opened  to  my  beloved ;  but  my  beloved  had  withdrawn 
himself,  and  was  gone  :  my  soul  failed  when  he  spake  ;  I  sought 
him,  but  I  could  not  find  him ;  I  called  him,  but  he  gave  me  no 
anwser.-  I  remembered  God,  and  was  troubled :  I  complained, 
and  my  spirit  was  overwhelmed.     Selah.     I  call  to  remem- 


47 

brance  my  song  in  the  night :  I  commune  with  mine  own  heart, 
and  my  spirit  made  diligent  search.  Will  the  Lord  cast  off 
for  ever?  and  will  he  be  favourable  no  more  ?  Is  his  mercy  clean 
gone  for  ever  ?  doth  his  promise  fail  for  evermore  ?  Hath  God 
forgotten  to  be  gracious  ?  hath  he  in  anger  shut  up  his  tender 
mercies  ?  Selah.-  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips ;  and  my  mouth 
shall  shew  forth  thy  praise.  Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  glad- 
ness ;  that  the  bones  which  thou  hast  broken  may  rejoice. 
Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  presence ;  and  take  not  thy  holy 
Spirit  from  me.  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation ; 
and  uphold  me  with  thy  free  Spirit.  Cant.  5.  6.  Ps.  77.  3,  6 
—9.  and  51. 15,  8,  11,  12.  ||  and  88.  9,  14—17.  and  86.  16,  17. 
Jer.  14.  7,  8.  Job  23.  3,  8,  9. 

Do  you  ever  mourn  because  the  Comforter  is  far  from  your 
soul. 

84.  What  are  suitable  directions  and  promises  for  a  believer, 
when  in  darkness  and  distress  of  mind  ? 

Who  is  among  you  that  feareth  th .  L#ord,  that  obeyeth  the 
voice  of  his  servant,  that  walketh  in  darkness,  and  hath  no 
light  ?  let  him  trust  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  stay  upon 
his  God.-  Humble  yourselves  therefore  under  the  mighty  hand 
of  God,  that  he  may  exalt  you  in  due  time  :  Casting  all  your 
care  upon  him ;  for  he  careth  for  you.  Be  sober,  be  vigilant ; 
because  your  adversary  the  devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walketh 
about,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour.  Whom  resist  steadfast 
in  the  faith,  knowing  that  the  same  afflictions  are  accomplished 
in  your  brethren  that  are  in  the  world.-  Let  not  your  heart 
be  troubled :  ye  believe  in  God,  believe  also  in  me.-  Peace  I 
leave  with  you,  my  peace  I  give  unto  you :  not  as  the  world 
giveth,  give  I  unto  you.  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled, 
neither  let  it  be  afraid.-  These  things  I  have  spoken  unto  you, 
that  in  me  ye  might  have  peace.  In  the  world  ye  shall  have 
tribulation,  but  be  of  good  cheer :  I  have  overcome  the  world. 
Is.  50.  10.  1  Pet.  5.  6—9.  John  14.  1,  27.  and  16.  33.  ||  Ps. 
44.  8—11.  Is.  43.  1,  20.  and  41.  10,  13,  14.  and  40.  30,  31. 
Deut.  33.  27. 

If  in  darkness  should  you  not  cry  to  God  for  light  ?  Will  you 
not  cast  your  cares  on  him  ? 

85.  Does  God  particularly  observe  the  religious  principles  and 
practices  of  his  people  ? 

I  know  thy  works,  and  charity,  and  service,  and  faith,  and 
thy  patience,  and  thy  works  ;  and  the  last  to  be  more  than  the 
first.-  But  if  any  man  love  God,  the  same  is  known  of  him. 
Behold,  the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  upon  them  that  fear  him,  upon 


48 

them  that  hope  in  hi9  mercy ;  To  deliver  their  soul  from  death, 
and  to  keep  them  alive  m  famine.-  The  Lord  is  good,  a  strong 
hold  in  the  day  of  trouble  ;  and  he  knoweth  them  that  trust  in 
him.-  And  you,  that  were  sometimes  alienated  and  enemies  in 
your  mind  by  wicked  works,  yet  now  hath  he  reconciled. 
In  the  body  of  his  flesh  through  death,  to  present  you  holy,  and 
unblamable,  and  unreprovable,  in  his  sight.  Rev.  2.  19.  1 
Cor.  8.  3.  Ps.  33.  18,  19.  Nah.  1.  7.,  Col.  1.  21,  22.  ||  Job  33. 
27—30.  Jer.  6.  15,  16. 

How  much  fruit  God  has  reason  to  expect  from  you  ?  What 
fruit  has  he  found  ? 

86.  What  are  the  privileges,  in  this  life,  of  those  who  obey  tht 
requirements  of  God  ? 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth  round  about  them  that 
fear  him,  and  delivereth  them.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are 
upon  the  righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  unto  their  cry.-  For 
the  Lord  God  is  a  sun  and  shield :  the  Lord  will  give  grace  and 
glory ;  no  good  thing  will  he  withhold  from  them  that  walk  up- 
rightly.- And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good, 
to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according 
to  his  purpose.  Ps.  34.  7,  15.  and  84.  11.  Rom.  8.  28.  ||  Job 
5.  17,  18.  Ps.  5.  12.  and  58.  11. 

How  safe  and  happy  is  the  true  Christian !  Can  you  be  indif- 
ferent to  such  privileges  ? 

87.  What  ordinances  are  to  be  administered  under  the  Gospel 
dispensation  ? 

Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  com- 
manded you :  and  lo,  1  am  with  you  always,  even  unto  the  end 
of  the  world.  Amen.-  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord,  that 
which  also  I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same 
night  in  which  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread  :  And  when  he  had 
given  thanks,  he  brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat :  this  is  my 
body,  which  is  broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me. 
After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when  he  had  sup- 
ped, saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood :  this  do 
ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often  as 
ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's 
death  till  he  come.  Mat.  28.  19,  30.  1  Cor.  11.  23— 26.  ||  1 
Pet.  3.  20,  21.  Acts  2.  38,  39,  41.  and  8.  12. 

Have  you  a  right  understanding  of  Gospel  ordinances  ?  Do 
you  highly  prize  them  ? 


49 

88.  Is  it  not  a  highly  important  duly  publicly  to  profess  the 
Gospel,  and  attend  the  ordinance  of  the  Lord's  Supper  ? 

Whosoever  therefore  shall  confess  me  before  men,  him  will 
I  confess  also  before  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven.  But  who- 
soever shall  deny  me  before  men,  him  will  I  also  deny  before 
my  Father  which  is  in  heaven.-  But  what  saith  it  ?  The  word 
is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth,  and  in  thy  heart :  that  is,  the 
word  of  faith,  which  we  preach:  That  if  thou  shalt  confess  with 
thy  mouth  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  shall  believe  in  thine  heart  that 
God  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead,  thou  shalt  be  saved.  For 
with  the  heart,  man  believeth  unto  righteousness  ;  and  with  the 
mouth,  confession  is  made  unto  salvation.-  And  he  took  bread, 
and  gave  thanks,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  unto  them,  saying, 
This  is  my  body  which  is  given  for  you :  this  do  in  remem- 
brance of  me.  And  h^  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and 
gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it ;  For  this  is  my  blood 
of  the  new  testament,  which  is  shed  for  many  for  the  remis- 
sion of  sins.-  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this 
cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death  till  he  come.  Mat.  10.  32, 
33.  Rom.  10.  8—10.  Luke  22.  19.  Mat.  26.  27,  28.  1  Cor.  11. 
26.  ||  Is.  45.  24,  25.  and  44.  4,  5.  Acts  2.  41,  42,  46,  47.  and 
5.  14. 

"What  excuse  have  you  for  neglecting  it  ?  Is  it  one  which  will 
answer  you  in  the  Great  Day  ? 

89.  What  preparation  is  requisite  to  the  acceptable  receiving 
the  Lord's  Supper  ?  (n) 

Purge  out  therefore  the  old  leaven,  that  ye  may  be  a  new 
lump,  as  ye  are  unleavened.  For  even  Christ  our  passover  is 
sacrificed  for  us :  Therefore  let  us  keep  the  feast,  not  with  old 
leaven,  neither  with  the  leaven  of  malice  and  wickedness ;  but 
with  the  unleavened  bread  of  sincerity  and  truth.  The  cup 
of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood 
of  Christ  ?  The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion 
of  the  body  of  Christ  ?  For  we  being  many  are  one  bread,  and 
one  body :  for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one  bread.  Wheth- 
er therefore  ye  eat  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the 
glory  of  God.-  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall  eat  this  bread,  and 
drink  this  cup  of  the  Lord,  unworthily,  shall  be  guilty  of  the 
body  and  blood  of  the  Lord.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself, 
and  so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup.  And 
if  any  man  hunger,  let  him  eat  at  home :  that  ye  come  not  to- 
gether unto  condemnation.  1  Cor.  5.  7,  8.  and  10.  16,  17,  31. 
and  11.  27, 28,  34.  ||  Mai.  1.  7.  1  Cor.  10.  1—6.  2  Cor.  13.  6. 

(n)  See  Appendix,  Note  N. 
E 


50 

Have  you  examined  yourself  impartially  ?  Have  you  come 
to  the  table  of  the  Lord  with  sincerity,  penitence,  faith,  and  joy  ? 

90.  Wiiat  are  suitable  meditations  at,  before,  and  after  the 
communion  ? 

What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  toward 
me  ?  I  will  take  the  cup  of  salvation,  and  call  upon  the  name 
of  the  Lord.  I  will  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord  now  in  the 
presence  of  all  his  people.-  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  I  am  the 
bread  of  life  :  he  that  cometh  to  me,  shall  never  hunger  ;  and 
he  that  believeth  on  me,  shall  never  thirst.  I  am  that  bread  of 
life.  I  am  the  living  bread  which  came  down  from  heaven  : 
if  any  man  eat  of  this  bread,  he  shall  live  for  ever :  and  the 
bread  that  I  will  give  is  my  flesh,  which  I  will  give  for  the  life 
of  the  world.  Whoso  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood, 
hath  eternal  life  ;  and  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day.  Foi 
my  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed.  He 
that  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood,  dwelleth  in  me, 
and  I  him.  As  the  living  Father  hath  sent  me,  and  I  live  by 
the  Father :  so  he  that  eateth  me,  even  he  shall  live  by  me. 
This  is  that  bread  which  came  down  from  heaven  :  not  as  your 
fathers  did  eat  manna,  and  are  dead :  he  that  eateth  of  this 
bread  shall  live  for  ever.  Ps.  116.  12—14.  John  6.  35,  48,  51, 
54__58.  ||  Cant.  2.  3,  4.  and  5.  J .  Is.  25.  6,  9.  and  55.  1.  Rev. 

21.  .6.  John  4.  14.  (o) 

Have  you  found  this  ordinance  a  feast  to  the  soul  ?  Has  it 
quickened  you? 

91.  How  is  an  offending  brother  in  the  Lord  to  be  treated? 
Moreovei,  if  thy  brother  shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and 

TELL  HIM  HIS  FAULT  BETWEEN   THEE  AND  HIM  ALONE:    if  he 

shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  Then  came 
Peter  to  him,  and  said,  Lord,  how  oft  shall  my  brother  sin 
against  me,  and  I  forgive  him  ?  till  seven  times  ?  Jesus  saith 
unto  him,  I  say  not  unto  thee,  Until  seven  times :  but,  Until  sev- 
enty times  seven.  But  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take  with 
thee  one  or  two  more,  that  in  the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witness- 
es every  word  may  be  established.  And  if  he  shall  neglect  to 
hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church :  but  if  he  neglect  to  hear 
the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man  and  a 
publican.-  But  now  I  have  written  unto  you  notlo  keep  com- 
pany, if  any  man  that  is  called  a  brother  be  a  fornicator,  or 
covetous,  or  an  idolater,  or  a  railer,  or  a  drunkard,  or  an  ex- 
tortioner: with  such  a  one  no  not  to  eat.     Mat.  18.   15,21, 

22,  16,  17.  1  Cor.  5.  11.  ||  Luke  17.  3,  4.  Ps.  141.  5.  John  13. 
35.  Jam.  5.  16,  19,  20. 

(o)  See  Appendix,  Note  O. 


51 

Have  you  never  spread  the  faults  of  a  brother  ?  Can  you 
meekly  receive  a  Christian  rebuke  ? 

92.  What  are  some  of  the  consolations  for  the  truly  pious  in 
old  age  ? 

O  God,  thou  hast  taught  me  from  my  youth :  and  hitherto 
have  I  declared  thy  wondrous  works.  Now  also  when  I  am 
old  and  gray-headed,  O  God,  forsake  me  not ;  until  I  have 
shewed  thy  strength  unto  this  generation,  and  thy  power  to 
every  one  that  is  to  come.-  Thou,  which  hast  shewed  me  great 
and  sore  troubles,  shall  quicken  me  again,  and  shalt  bring  me 
up  again  from  the  depths  of  the  earth.  And  even  to  your  old 
age  I  am  he ;  and  even  to  hoar  hairs  will  I  carry  you :  I  have 
made,  and  I  will  bear ;  even  I  will  carry,  and  will  deliver  you. 
Thou  shalt  come  to  thy  grave  in  a  full  age,  like  as  a  shock  of 
corn  cometh  in  in  his  season.  Ps.  71.  17, 18, 20.  Is.  46. 4.  Job  5. 
26.  If  Eccl.  12.  3—7.  Ps.  73.  26. 

Will  not  the  Scriptures  treasured  in  memory  in  youth  be 
useful  in  old  age  ?  Would  they  not  then  be  comforting  to  the 
truly  pious  ? 

93.  What  are  the  privileges  of  the  righteous  in  the  trying 
hour  of  death  ? 

The  wicked  is  driven  away  in  his  wickedness  :  but  the  right- 
eous hath  hope  in  his  death.-  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  be- 
hold the  upright:  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace.-  Yea, 
though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  will 
fear  no  evil :  for  thou  art  with  me  ;  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  they  com- 
fort me.-  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting?  O  grave,  where  is  thy 
victory  ?  The  sting  of  death  is  sin ;  and  the  strength  of  sin  is  the 
law.  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Prov.  14.  32.  Ps.  37.  37.  and 
23.  4.  1  Cor.  15.  55—57.  ||  Ps.  116.  15.  and  73.  26.  2  Cor.  4. 
16.  Acts  7.  55,  56,  59,  60. 

How  desirable  to  die  the  death  of  the  righteous  !  Will  you 
not  seek  to  live  like  them  ? 

94.  Are  the  spirits  of  the  just  active,  perfected  in  holiness  and 
happiness,  in  the  interim  between  their  death  and  the  resurrect 
Hon  of  their  bodies  ? 

Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was :  and  the 
spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it.-  For  we  know  that  if 
our  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we  have  a 
building  of  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens.  Therefore  we  are  always  confident,  knowing  that, 
whilst  we  are  at  home  in  the  body,  we  are  absent  from  the 


52 

Lord.  We  are  confident,  I  say,  and  willing  rather  to  be  ab 
sent  from  the  body,  and  to  be  present  with  the  Lord.-  Whom 
the  heaven  must  receive,  until  the  times  of  restitution  of  all 
things,  which  God  hath  spoken  by  the  mouth  of  all  his  holy  pro- 
phets since  the  world  began.  Eccl.  12.  7.  2  Cor.  5.  1,  6,  8. 
Acts  3.  21.  ||  Luke  23.  43.  Phil.  1.  23.  Heb.  12.  23.  1  Cor. 
13.  12. 

What  conceptions  can  you  form  of  the  souPs  knowledge,, 
separate  from  the  body  ?  How  will  you  think  and  feel  them  ? 

95.  To  what  society  are  the  righteous  admitted  in  eternity  ? 
But  ye  are  come  unto  Mount  Zion,  and  unto  the  city  of  the 

living  God,  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumerable 
company  of  angels,  (p.)  To  the  general  assembly  and  church 
of  the  first-born,  which  are  written  in  heaven,  and  to  God  the 
Judge  of  all,  and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  And 
to  Jesus  the  Mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  and  to  the  blood  of 
sprinkling,  that  speaketh  better  things  than  that  of  Abel.  Heb. 
12.  22—24.  ||  Rev.  21.  2,  21—27.  and  22.  14,  15.  and  5.  8—11. 
How  glorious  that  society  !  How  soon  you  will  be  there  if  a 
Christian  !  How  irremediable  your  loss  if  you  are  not  gathered 
there ! 

96.  What  is  the  portion  of  the  righteous  beyond  the  grave? 
And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  unto  me,  Write, 

Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from  henceforth  : 
Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labours ;  and 
their  works  do  follow  them.  Therefore  are  they  before  the 
throne  of  God,  and  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple  :  and 
he  that  sitteth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among  them.-  They 
shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more  ;  neither  shall 
the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any  heat.  For  the  Lamb  which  is 
in  the  midst  of  the  throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them 
unto  living  fountains  of  waters :  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all 
tears  from  their  eyes.  Rev.  14.  13.  and  7.  15—17.  ||  Ps.  73. 
24.  1  Pet.  L  4. 

Is  not  this  portion  worth  all  the  toils  and  sacrifices  which 
religion  demands  ?  Are  you  often  thinking  of  this  portion  ? 

'  97.    What  is  the  song  of  the  redeemed? 

Thou  art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive  glory,  and  honour,  and 
power :  for  thou  hast  created  all  things,  and  for  thy  pleasure 
they  are  and  were  created.-  And  they  sung  a  new  song,  say- 
ing, Thou  art  worthy  to  take  the  book,  and  to  open  the  seals 
thereof:  for  thou  wast  slain,  and  hast  redeemed  us  to  God  by 
(p)  See  Appendix,  Note  P. 


53 

thy  blood  out  of  every  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people,  and 
nation ;  And  hast  made  us  unto  our  God  kings  and  priests : 
and  we  shall  reign  on  the  earth.  And  every  creature  which  is 
in  heaven,  and  on  the  earth,  and  under  the  earth,  and  such  as 
are  in  the  sea,  and  all  that  are  in  them,  heard  I  saying,  Blessing, 
and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power,  be  unto  him  that  sitteth  up- 
on the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.  Rev.  4. 
11.  and  5.  9,  10,  13.  ||  and  1.  4—6.  Ps.  115.  1.  1  Cor.  1.  31. 

Do  you  sing  praises  to  God  ?  Have  you  learned  the  song  of 
heaven  ? 

98.  Will  the  cause  of  Christ  finally  prevail  throughout  the 
earth? 

Ask  of  me,  and  I  shall  give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine  inheri- 
tance, and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  possession.- 
He  shall  have  dominion  also  from  sea  to  sea,  and  from  the  river 
unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  They  that  dwell  in  the  wilderness 
shall  bow  before  him;  and  his  enemies  shall  lick  the  dust. 
The  kings  of  Tarshish  and  of  the  isles  shall  bring  presents :  the 
kings  of  Sheba  and  Seba  shall  offer  gifts.  Yea,  all  kings  shall 
fall  down  before  him :  all  nations  shall  serve  him.-  And  it  shall 
come  to  pass  in  the  last  days-,  that  the  mountain  of  the  Lord's 
house  shall  be  established  in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  shall 
be  exalted  above  the  hills ;  and  all  nations  shall  flow  unto  it.- 
For  from  the  rising  of  the  sun,  even  unto  the  going  down  of  the 
same,  my  name  shall  be  great  among  the  Gentiles  ;  and  in 
every  place  incense  shall  be  offered  unto  my  name,  and  a  pure 
offering :  for  my  name  shall  be  great  among  the  heathen,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts.  Ps.  2.  8.  and  72.  8—11.  Is.  2.  2.  Mai.  1. 
11.  ||  Is.  49.  6.  and  42.  4.  and  60.  1—12.  and  62.  2.  Mat.  24. 
14.  Rev.  20.  2—4. 

Which  will  you  do  ?  aid  its  triumphs,  or  be  crushed  by  them  ? 
There  is  no  alternative  between  these. 

99.  What  is  the  character  and  doom  of  Antichrist  ? 

And  every  spirit  that  confesseth  not  that  Jesus  Christ  is  come 
in  the  flesh,  is  not  of  God  :  and  this  is  that  spirit  of  antichrist, 
whereof  ye  have  heard  that  it  should  come  ;  and  even  now  al- 
ready is  it  in  the  world.-  Who  is  a  liar  but  he  that  denieth  that 
Jesus  is  the  Christ  ?  He  is  antichrist,  that  denieth  the  Father 
and  the  Son.-  And  he  shall  speak  great  words  against  the 
Most  High,  and  shall  wear  out  the  saints  of  the  Most  High, 
-and  think  to  change  times  and  laws  :  and  they  shall  be  given 
nto  his  hand  until  a  time  and  times  and  the  dividing  of  time.- 
And  the  king  shall  do  according  to  his  will ;  and  he  shall  exalt 
himself,  and  magnify  himself  above  every  god,  and  shall  speak 
E2 


54 

maiTellous  things  against  the  God  of  gods,  and  shall  prosper 
till  the  indignation  be  accomplished :  for  that  that  is  determined 
shall  be  done.  Neither  shall  he  regard  the  God  of  his  fathers, 
nor  the  desire  of  women,  nor  regard  any  god :  for  he  shall  mag- 
nify himself  above  all.  But  in  his  estate  shall  he  honour  the 
god  of  forces :  and  a  god  whom  his  fathers  knew  not  shall  he 
honour  with  gold,  and  silver,  and  with  precious  stones,  and 
pleasant  things.  Thus  shall  he  do  in  the  most  strong  holds 
with  a  strange  god,  whom  he  shall  acknowledge  and  increase 
with  glory :  and  he  shall  cause  them  to  rule  over  many,  and 
shall  divide  the  land  for  gain.  And  he  shall  plant  the  taberna- 
cles of  his  palace  between  the  seas  in  the  glorious  holy  moun- 
tain :  yet  he  shall  come  to  his  end,  and  none  shall  help  him.  - 
But  the  judgment  shall  sit,  and  they  shall  take  away  his  do- 
minion, to  consume  and  to  destroy  it  unto  the  end.  And  the 
kingdom  and  dominion,  and  the  greatness  of  the  kingdom  un- 
der the  whole  heaven,  shall  be  given  to  the  people  of  the 
saints  of  the  Most  High,  whose  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  king- 
dom, and  all  dominions  shall  serve  and  obey  him.  1  John  4.  3. 
and  2.  22.  Dan.  7,  25.  and  11.  36—39,  45.  and  7.  26,  27. 
j|  Rev.  13.  3—8.  and  19—21. 

What  evidence  have  you  that  you  do  not  belong  to  the  king* 
dom  of  antichrist  ? 

100.  What  is  St.  PauVs  description  of  the  Christian  Jlrmour? 
Wherefore  take  unto  you  the  whole  armour  of  God,  that  ye 

may  be  able  to  withstand  in  the  evil  day,  and  having  done  all, 
to  stand.  Stand  therefore,  having  your  loins  girt  about  with 
truth,  and  having  on  the  breast-plate  of  righteousness  ;  And 
ycfcir  feet  shod  with  the  preparation  of  the  gospel  of  peace ; 
Above  all,  taking  the  shield  of  faith,  wherewith  ye  shall  be 
able  to  quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked.  And  take 
the  helmet  of  salvation,  and  the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  which  is 
the  word  of  God  :  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  suppli- 
cation in  the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseve- 
rance and  supplication  for  all  saints.  Eph.  6.  13 — 18.  ||  and 
6.  10—12.  Rom.  13.  12—14. 

Are  you  fighting  the  fight  of  faith  ?  Are  you  clad  in  the 
Christian's  whole  armour  ? 

101.  What  doth  the  Lord,  our  God,  require  of  us  individu- 
ally ? 

He  hath  shewed  thee,  O  man,  what  is  good  ;  and  what  doth 
the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy, 
and  to  walk  humbly  with  chy  God  ?-  For  the  grace  of  God 
that  bringeth  salvation  hath  appeared  to  all  men,  Teaching  us, 
that,  denying  ungodliness,  and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  live 


55 

soberly,  righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  present  world  ;  Looking 
for  that  blessed  hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing  of  the  great 
God,  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;  Who  gave  himself  for  us, 
that  he  might  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  him- 
self a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works.-  See  then  that 
ye  walk  circumspectly,  not  as  fools,  but  as  wise,  Redeeming 
the  time,  because  the  days  are  evil.  Mic.  6.  8.  Tit.  2.  11 — 14. 
Eph.  5.  15,  16.  ||  Let  us  devoutly  search  the  scriptures 

DAILY  AND  LEARN  OUR  DUTY. 

Have  you  rendered  to  man  the  things  that  are  man's  ?  and 
unto  God  the  things  that  are  God's  ? 

102.  Is  not  the  Moral  Law  binding  upon  all  mankind  ? 
Sanctify  yourselves  therefore  and  be  ye  holy :  for  I  am  the 

Lord  your  God.  And  ye  shall  keep  my  statutes,  and  do  them : 
I  am  the  Lord  which  sanctify  you.-  Render  to  Cesar  the  things 
that  are  Cesar's,  and  to  God  the  things  that  are  God's.-  And 
the  Lord  commanded  us  to  do  all  these  statutes — and  it  shall  be 
our  righteousness,  if  we  observe  to  do  all  these  commandments 
before  the  Lord  our  God,  as  he  hath  commanded  us.-  Now 
we  know  that  what  things  soever  the  law  saith,  it  saith 
to  them  who  are  under  the  law :  that  every  mouth  may  be  stop- 
ped, and  all  the  world  may  become  guilty  before  God.  Lev. 
20.  7,  8.  Mark  12.  17.  Deut.  6.  24,  25.  Rom.  3.  19.  ||  Jam.  2. 
8—10.  Rom.  7.  7—12.  and  13.  7.  Deut.  10.  12,  13. 

What  more  or  what  less  could  the  rightful  Governor  ol 
the  universe  require  of  any  moral  agent,  than  to  render  to  God 
<his  due,  and  to  creatures  their  dues  ?  Have  you  felt  ycur  obli- 
gations to  obey  God's  law  ?  Have  you  been  abased  in  the  dust 
for  violating  them  ? 

103.  Does  not  a  conviction  of  the  purity,  extent,  and  spirlu- 
rality  of  the  Divine  law,  tend  to  endear  Christ  (who  "  is  the  end 
of  the  law  for  righteousness)  to  every  one  who  believelh  .?" 

For  I  delight  in  the  law  of  God,  after  the  inward  man . 
But  I  see  another  law  in  my  members  warring  against  the  law 
of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  sin 
which  is  in  my  members.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who 
shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?  I  thank  God, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  So  then,  with  the  mind  I  my- 
self serve  the  law  of  God,  but  with  the  flesh  the  law  of  sin.- 
There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in 
Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 
For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus,  hath  made  me 
free  from  the  law  of  sin  and  death.  For  what  the  law  could 
not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flesh,  God  sending  his 
<©wn  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin  condemned 


56 

sin  in  the  flesh.  That  the  righteousness  of  the  law  might  be  ful- 
filled in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit.— 
Unto  you  therefore  which  believe  he  is  precious :  but  unto 
them  which  be  disobedient,  the  stone  which  the  builders  disal- 
lowed, the  same  is  made  the  head  of  the  corner.  Rom.  7.  22 — 
25.  and  8.  1—4.  1  Pet.  2.  7.  ||  Mat.  9.  12.  Gal.  3.  13,  14,  24. 

Has  Christ  been  esteemed  infinitely  precious  by  you  ?  Do  all 
your  hopes  of  justification  centre  in  him  ? 

104.  What  sublime  and  impressive  scenes  preceded  and  at- 
tended the  promulgation  of  the  moral  law  ? 

And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  third  day  in  the  morning,  that 
there  were  thunders  and  lightnings,  and  a  thick  cloud  upon 
the  mount,  and  the  voice  of  the  trumpet  exceeding  loud ;  so 
that  all  the  people  that  was  in  the  camp  trembled.  And  mount 
Sinai  was  altogether  on  a  smoke,  because  the  Lord  descended 
upon  it  in  fire  ;  and  the  smoke  thereof  ascended  as  the  smoke 
of  a  furnace,  and  the  whole  mount  quaked  greatly.  And  when 
the  voice  of  the  trumpet  sounded  long,  and  waxed  louder  and 
louder,  Moses  spake,  and  God  answered  him  by  a  voice.- 
And  all  the  people  saw  the  thunderings,  and  the  lightnings, 
and  the  noise  of  the  trumpet,  and  the  mountain  smoking :  and 
when  the  people  saw  it,  they  removed,  and  stood  afar  off.  And 
they  said  unto  Moses,  Speak  thou  with  us,  and  we  will  hear : 
but  let  not  God  speak  with  us,  lest  we  die.  And  Moses  said 
unto  the  people,  Fear  not :  for  God  is  come  to  prove  you,  and 
that  his  fear  may  be  before  your  faces,  that  ye  sin  not.-  See 
that  ye  refuse  not  him  that  speaketh.  For  if  they  escaped  not 
who  refused  him  that  spake  on  earth,  much  more  shall  not  we 
escape,  if  we  turn  away  from  him  that  speaketh  from  heaven  : 
Whose  voice  then  shook  the  earth  :  but  now  he  hath  promised, 
saying,  Yet  once  more  I  shake  not  the  earth  only,  but  also 
heaven.  And  this  word,  Yet  once  more,  signifieth  the  removing 
of  those  things  that  are  shaken,  as  of  things  that  are  made, 
that  those  things  which  cannot  be  shaken  may  remain.  Ex. 
19.  16,  18,  19.  and  20.  18—20.  Heb.  12.25—27.  ||  Deut.  5.22. 
—27.  Ex.  15.  11.  Ps.  77.  18. 

Would  those  scenes  have  been  terrible  to  your  sight  ?  Will 
you  not  another  day  witness  still  more  tremendous  scenes  ?  Are 
you  prepared,  not  merely  to  behold  a  mountain  covered  with 
flames  ;  but  to  stand  with  composure,  amidst  the  flames  of  a 
burning  world  ?  What  emotions  will  that  blast  of  an  Archangel's 
trumpet,  whose  sound  shall  wake  the  slumbers  of  every  grave, 
give  you  ? 

105.  Is  idolatry  forbidden,  and  are  awful  threatenings  de- 
nounced against  it  in  the  word  of  God  ? 


57 

Thou  shalt  not  have  no  other  gods  before  me.-  Trust  ye  in 
the  Lord  for  ever:  for  in  the  Lord  Jehovah  is  everlasting' 
strength.-  Ye  shall  not  go  after  other  gods,  of  the  gods  of  the 
people  which  are  round  about  you ;  (For  the  Lord  thy  God  is 
a  jealous  God  among  you ;)  lest  the  anger  of  the  Lord  thy 
God  be  kindled  against  thee,  and  destroy  thee  from  off  the  face 
of  the  earth.-  And  it  shall  be,  if  thou  do  at  all  forget  the  Lord 
thy  God,  and  walk  after  other  gods,  and  serve  them,  and  wor- 
ship them,  I  testify  against  you  this  day  that  ye  shall  surely 
perish.  Ex.  20.  3.  Is.  26.  4.  Deut.  6.  14,  15.  and  8.  19.  ||  Jer. 
25.  4_7.  Josh.  24.  20.  Eph.  5.  5.  Col  3.  5. 

Little  children  have  you  kept  yourselves  from  idols  ?  Have 
you  loved  nothing  better  than  you  have  God  ?  What  have  been 
the  nature  and  the  degree  of  your  attachments  to  yourselves, 
your  relatives,  your  possessions,  or  pursuits  ? 

106.  Is  image  worship  forbidden  by  Jehovah? 

Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image,  or  any 
likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that  is  in  the 
earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth:  Thou 
shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to  them,  nor  serve  them :  for  I  the 
Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation 
of  them  that  hate  me ;  And  shewing  mercy  unto  thousands  of 
them  that  love  me,  and  keep  my  commandments.-  I  am  the 
Lord :  that  is  my  name  :  and  my  glory  will  I  not  give  to  another, 
neither  my  praise  to  graven  images.-  And  the  third  angel  fol- 
lowed them,  saying  with  a  loud  voice,  If  any  man  worship  the 
beast  and  his  image,  and  receive  his  mark  in  his  forehead,  or  in 
his  hand,  The  same  shall  drink  of  the  wine  of  the  wrath  ol 
God,  which  is  poured  out  without  mixture  into  the  cup  of  his 
indignation  ;  and  he  shall  be  tormented  with  fire  and  brimstone 
in  the  presence  of  the  holy  angels,  and  in  the  presence  of  the 
Lamb :  And  the  smoke  of  their  torment  ascendeth  up  for  ever 
and  ever:  and  they  have  no  rest  day  nor  night,  who  worship 
the  beast  and  his  image,  and  whosoever  receiveth  the  mark  of 
his  name.  Ex.  20.  4—6.  Is.  42.  8.  Rev.  14.  9—11.  ||  Deut.  4. 
15,  16,  23.  Is.  2.  8—12,  18—21.  Ez.  8.  12,  18. 

May  not  man  be  guilty  of  image  worship,  by  misconceiving 
the  character  of  God  ?  Have  you  never  considered  him  all 
mercy  and  no  justice  ? 

107.  If  it  our  duty  to  worship  the  God  of  heaven  by  prayer 
in  secret,  in  private  and  in  public  ? 

But  thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy  closet,  and  when 
thou  hast  shut  thy  door,  pray  to  thy  Father  which  is  in  secret ; 
and  thy  Father,  which  seeth  in  secret,  shall  reward  thee  openly.- 


58 

I  will  offer  to  thee  the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving,  and  will  call  upon 
the  name  of  the  Lord.  I  will  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord  now 
in  the  presence  of  all  his  people,  in  the  courts  of  the  Lord's 
house,  in  the  midst  of  thee,  O  Jerusalem.  Praise  ye  the  Lord. 
Mat.  6.  6.  Ps.  116.  17—19.  ||  Ps.  96.  8,  9.  Mat.  18.  19,  20.  Is. 
56,7. 

What  more  reasonable,  than  that  dependant,  accountable, 
and  sinful  beings,  should  live  prayerful  lives  ?  Have  you  done 
it? 

108.   What  form  of  prayer  has  our  blessed  Saviour  given  us  ? 

After  this  manner  therefore  pray  ye  :  Our  Father  which  art 
in  heaven,  Hallowed  be  thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy 
will  be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our 
daily  bread.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debt- 
ors. And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil. 
For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever. 
Amen,  (q)  Mat.  6.  9—13. 

How  concise  yet  how  full  the  Lord's  prayer !  Did  you  ever 
devoutly  use  it  ?  Can  the  unforgiving  use  it  without  virtually 
praying  that  God  would  not  forgive  them  ? 

• 

109-  How  did  Daniel  pray  when  in  captivity  ? 

And  I  set  my  face  unto  the  Lord  God,  to  seek  by  prayer  and 
supplications,  with  fasting  and  sackcloth,  and  ashes  :  And  I 
prayed  unto  the  Lord  my  God,  and  made  my  confession,  and 
said,  O  Lord,  the  great  and  dreadful  God,  keeping  the  cove- 
nant and  mercy  to  them  that  love  him,  and  to  them  that  keep 
his  commandments  ;  We  have  sinned,  and  have  committed 
iniquity,  and  have  done  wickedly,  and  have  rebelled,  even  by 
departing  from  thy  precepts  and  from  thy  judgments.  O 
Lord,  to  us  belongeth  confusion  of  face,  to  our  kings,  to  our 
princes,  and  to  our  fathers,  because  we  have  sinned  against 
thee.  To  the  Lord  our  God  belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses, 
though  we  have  rebelled  against  him ;  Neither  have  we  obey- 
ed the  voice  of  the  Lord  our  God,  to  walk  in  his  laws,  which 
he  set  before  us  by  his  servants  the  prophets.  Therefore  hath 
the  Lord  watched  upon  the  evil,  and  brought  it  upon  us :  for 
the  Lord  our  God  is  righteous  in  all  his  works  which  he  doeth : 
for  we  obeyed  not  his  voice.  O  my  God,  incline  thine  ear,  and 
hear ;  open  thine  eyes,  and  behold  our  desolations,and  the  city 
which  is  called  by  thy  name  :  for  we  do  not  present  our  suppli- 
cations before  thee  for  our  righteousnesses,  but  for  thy  great  mer- 
cies.     O  Lord,  hear ;  O  Lord,  forgive ;  O  Lord,  hearken  and 

(q)  See  Appendix,  Note  Q. 


59 

do ;  defer  not,  for  thine  own  sake,  O  my  God  :  for  thy  city  and 
thy  people  are  called  by  thy  name.  Dan.  9.  3 — 5,  8-— 10,  14, 
18,  19.  ||  and  9.  1—23.   (r) 

Did  you  ever  pray  with  such  deep  self-abasement  ?  Have  you 
like  Daniel  in  youth  poured  out  your  heart  to  God  ? 

110.  What  is  the  summary  of  Ezra?s prayer? 

And  at  the  evening-  sacrifice  1  rose  up  from  my  heaviness ; 
and  having  rent  my  garment  and  my  mantle,  I  fell  upon  my 
knees,  and  spread  out  my  hands  unto  the  Lord  my  God.  And 
said,  O  my  God,  I  am  ashamed  and  blush  to  lift  up  my  face 
to  thee,  my  God  :  for  our  iniquities  are  increased  over  our  head, 
and  our  trespass  is  grown  up  unto  the  heavens.  And  now,  O 
our  God,  what  shall  we  say  after  this  ?  for  we  have  forsaken 
thy  commandments.  And  after  all  that  is  come  upon  us  for  our 
evil  deeds,  and  for  our  great  trespass,  seeing  that  thou  our  God 
hast  punished  us  less  than  our  iniquities  deserve,  and  hast 
given  us  such  deliverance  as  this  ;  Should  we  again  break  thy 
commandments,  and  join  in  affinity  with  the  people  of  these 
abominations  ?  wouldest  not  thou  be  angry  with  us  till  thou 
hadst  consumed  us,  so  that  there  should  be  no  remnant  nor 
escap  ig  ?  O  Lord  God  of  Israel,  thou  art  righteous :  for  we 
remain  yet  escaped,  as  it  is  this  day :  behold,  we  are  before  thee, 
in  our  trespasses  ;  for  we  cannot  stand  before  thee  because  of 
this.     Ezra  9.  5,  6,  10,  13—15. 

Have  you  felt  to  loathe  yourselves  when  in  prayer,  you  have 
approached  a  holy  God  ?  Have  you  prayed  like  the  publican  ? 

111.  How  are  we  directed  to  pray  ?  (s) 

God  is  a  Spirit :  and  they  that  worship  him,  must  worship 
him  in  spirit  and  in  truth.-  Take  with  you  words,  and  turn  to 
the  Lord  :  say  unto  him,  Take  away  all  iniquity,  and  receive 
us  graciously :  so  will  we  render  the  calves  of  our  lips.-  For 
we  have  not  a  high  priest  which  cannot  be  touched  with  the 
feeling  of  our  infirmities:  but  was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as 
we  are,  yet  without  sin.  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto 
the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace 
to  help  in  time  of  need.-  O  Lord,  revive  thy  work  in  the  midst 
of  the  years,  in  the  midst  of  the  years  make  known  ;  in  wrath 
remember  mercy.  John  4.  24.  Hos.  14.  2.  Heb.  4.  15,  16. 
Hab.  3.  2.  ||  2  Sam.  7.  18,  28,  29.  2  Kin.  19.  15,  16,  19.  Hab. 
1.  12, 13.  1  Chron.  4.  10.  Heb.  10.  22. 

Have  you  ever  prayed  in  a  sincere,  spiritual,  humble,  and  be- 
lieving manner  ? 

(r)  See  Appendix,  Note  R. 
(s)  See  Appendix,  Note  S. 


60 

112.  When  are  we  to  pray  ? 

My  voice  shalt  thou  hear  in  the  morning,  O  Lord ;  in  the 
morning  will  I  direct  my  prayer  unto  thee,  and  will  look  up.- 
Evening,  and  morning,  and  at  noon,  will  I  pray.  Kwd  cry  aloud : 
and  he  shall  hear  my  voice.-  And  he  spake  a  parable  unto 
them  to  this  end,  that  men  ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to 
faint.  And  shall  not  God  avenge  his  own  elect,  which  cry  day 
and  night  unto  him,  though  he  bear  long  with  them  ?-  Pray 
without  ceasing.  Ps.  5.  3.  and  55.  17.  Luke  18.  1,  7.  1  Thea. 

5.  17.  ||  Ps.  86.  3.  and  119.  147,  164.  Dan.  6.  10.  Luke  6.  12. 
Ps.  22.  2.  and  88.  13.  and  130.  6.  Is.  26.  9.  Mark  1.  35.  Jam. 
5.13. 

Are  you  accustomed  by  prayer  to  acknowledge  your  depen- 
dance  and  God's  goodness,  when  you  lie  down,  and  when  you 
arise,  in  the  house  and  by  the  way  ?  Have  you  habitually  a 
devotional  spirit  ? 

113.  For  whom  are  we  to  pray  ? 

I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplications,  prayers, 
intercessions,  and  giving  of  thanks  be  made  for  all  men :  For 
kings,  and  for  all  that  are  in  authority ;  that  we  may  lead  a 
quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and  honesty.  For 
this  is  good  and  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God  our  Saviour.- 
Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem  :  they  shall  prosper  that  love 
thee.-  Pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  will 
send  forth  labourers  into  his  harvest.-  Bless  them  that  curse 
you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despitefully  use  you.-  Praying 
always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in  the  Spirit,  and 
watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  supplication  for 
all  saints.  1  Tim.  2.  1—3.  Ps.  122.  6.  Mat.  9.  38.  Luke  6.  28. 
Eph.  6.  18.  ||  Jam.  5.  14—18.  1  John  5.  16.  Hab.  3.  2.  Is.  62. 

6,  7.  Jer.  29.  7.  Ps.  141.  5.  2  Thes.  3.  1. 

Do  you  fervently  pray  for  Zion's  prosperity  and  for  the  sal- 
vation of  Jews  and  Gentiles  ^  bond  and  free  ?  Can  you  even 
pray  for  your  enemies  ? 

114.  In  what  name  and  through  whose  assistance,  should 
our  prayers  be  offered  ? 

And  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name,  that  will  I  do,  that 
the  Father  may  be  glorified  in  the  Son.  If  ye  shall  ask  any 
thing  in  my  name,  I  will  do  it.-  Hitherto  have  ye  asked  no- 
thing in  my  name :  ask,  and  ye  shall  receive,  that  your  joy  may- 
be full.-  Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmities :  for 
we  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought :  but  the 
Spirit  itself  maketh  intercession  for  us  with  groanings  which 
cannot  be  uttered.     And  he  that  searcheth  the  hearts  knoweth 


61 

what  is  the  mind  of  the  Spirit,  because  he  maketh  intercession 
for  the  saints  according  to  the  will  of  God.  John  14.  13,  14. 
and  16.  24.  Rom.  8.  2&,  27.  ||  Col.  3,  17.  Gal.  4.  6.  Rom.  8. 
15. 

Do  you  go  to  the  throne  of  grace  divested  of  self-righteous- 
ness and  self-confidence  ?  Do  you  ask,  expect,  and  receive  the 
aids  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  prayer  ? 

115.  Whose  prayers  will  be  heard  and  answered? 

Now  we  know  that  God  heareth  not  sinners :  but  if  any  man 
be  a  worshipper  of  God,  and  doeth  his  will,  him  he  heareth.- 
The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  "the  righteous,  and  his  ears  are 
open  unto  their  cry.  The  righteous  cry,  and  the  Lord  hear- 
eth, and  delivereth  them  out  of  all  their  troubles.-  Confess 
your  faults  one  to  another,  and  pray  one  for  another,  that  ye 
may  be  healed.  The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous 
man  availeth  much.  John  9.  31.  Ps.  34.  15,  17.  Jam.  5.  16. 
||  1  Tim.  2.  8.  Ps.  4.  3.  and  26.  6.  Prov.  15.  29. 

Are  you  a  doer  of  God's  will  ?  Have  you  ever  received  mer- 
ciful answers  to  prayer  ? 

116.  What  is  said  respecting  the  prayer  and  sacrifice  of  the 
wicked  ? 

He  that  turneth  away  his  ear  from  hearing  the  law,  even  his 
prayer  shall  be  abomination.-  The  sacrifice  of  the  wicked  is 
an  abomination  to  the  Lord  :  but  the  prayer  of  the  upright  is  his 
delight.-  But  without  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  him :  for 
he  that  cometh  to  God  must  believe  that  he  is,  and  that  he  is 
a  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  seek  him.  Prov.  28.  9.  and 
15.  8.  Heb.  11.  6.  ||  Ps.  66.  18.  and  109.  7.  Is.  1.  10—17.  Mat, 
23.  14. 

Are  your  ears  open  to  instruction  from  the  law  of  God  ? 
Have  you  never  offered  the  sacrifice  of  the  wicked  ? 

117.  Are  not  the  carriage,  the  conduct,  and  even  the  thoughts 
of  the  wicked  displeasing  to  God  ? 

A  high  look,  and  a  proud  heart,  and  the  ploughing  of  the 
wicked,  is  sin.-  The  way  of  the  wicked  is  an  abomination  un- 
to the  Lord  ;  but  he  loveth  him  that  followeth  after  righteous- 
ness. The  thoughts  of  the  wicked  are  an  abomination  to  the 
Lord  :  but  the  words  of  the  pure  are  pleasant  words.-  Because 
the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God  :  for  it  is  not  subject  to 
the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be.  So  then  they  that 
are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God.  Prov.  21.  4.  and  15.  9,  26. 
Rom.  8.  7,  8.  ||  Prov.  1.  27—29.  Is.  55.  7.  and  59.  1,  2. 

Is  any  thing  done  under  the  influence  of  an  unholy  heart* 
morally  pleasing  to  God  I  Have  you  an  unsanctified  heart  ? 
F 


<i2 

118.  Are  oaths  he  for  a  a  magistrate  lawful? 

Thou  shalt  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  serve  him,  and  shalt 
swear  by  his  name.-  That  he  who  blesseth  himself  in  the  earth, 
shall  bless  himself  in  the  God  of  truth ;  and  he  that  sweareth 
in  the  earth  shall  swear  by  the  God  of  truth ;  because  the  for- 
mer troubles  are  forgotten,  and  because  they  are  hid  from  mine 
eyes.-  And  thou  shalt  swear,  The  Lord  liveth,  in  truth,  in 
judgment,  and  in  righteousness;  and  the  nations  shall  bless 
themselves  in  him,  and  in  him  shall  they  glory.-  For  men  veri- 
ly swear  by  the  greater  :  and  an  oath  for  confirmation  is  to 
them  an  end  of  all  strife.  Deut.  6.  13.  Is.  65.  16.  Jer.  4.  2. 
Heb.  6.  16.  ||  Jer.  12.  16.  2  Chron.  15.  12,  14,  15.  Ex.  22. 
10,  11.  Lev.  5.  1.  Mat.  26.  63,  64. 

Do  you  understand  the  nature  of  an  oath  ?  Can  the  moral 
obligations  of  an  oath  be  felt  by  one,  who  denies  the  doctrine 
of  future  rewards  and  punishments  ? 

119.  Is  not  false  swearing  a  very  heinous  and  destructive  sin? 

Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy  neighbour.- 
And  ye  shall  not  swear  by  my  name  falsely,  neither  shalt  thou 
profane  the  name  of  thy  God  :  I  am  the  Lord.-  These  are  the 
things  that  ye  shall  do ;  Speak  ye  every  man  the  truth  to  his 
neighbour  ;  execute  the  judgment  of  truth  and  peace  in  your 
gates :  And  let  none  of  you  imagine  evil  in  your  hearts  against 
his  neighbour  ;  and  love  no  false  oath  :  for  all  these  are  things 
that  I  hate,  saith  the  Lord.-  Then  I  turned,  and  lifted  up  mine 
eyes,  and  looked,  and  behold  a  flying  roll.  And  he  said  unto 
me,  What  seest  thou  ?  And  I  answered,  I  see  a  flying  roll ;  the 
length  thereof  is  twenty  cubits,  and  the  breadth  thereof  ten 
cubits.  Then  said  he  unto  me,  This  is  the  curse  that  goeth 
forth  over  the  face  of  the  whole  earth :  for  every  one  that  steal- 
eth  shall  be  cut  off  as  on  this  side,  according  to  it ;  and  every 
one  that  sweareth  shall  be  cut  off  as  on  that  side,  according  to 
it.  I  will  bring  it  forth,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  it  shall 
enter  into  the  house  of  the  thief,  and  into  the  house  of  him 
that  sweareth  falsely  by  my  name  :  and  it  shall  remain  in  the 
midst  of  his  house,  and  shall  consume  it  with  the  timber  there- 
of and  the  stones  thereof.-  They  have  spoken  words,  swearing 
falsely  in  making  a  covenant :  thus  judgment  springe th  up  as 
hemlock  in  the  furrows  of  the  field.-  Shall  I  not  visit  for  these 
things  ?  saith  the  Lord  :  and  shall  not  my  soul  be  avenged  on 
such  a  nation  as  this?  Ex.  20.  16.  Lev.  19.  12.  Zech.  8.  16, 
17.  and  5.  1,  2—4.  Hos.  10.  4.  Jer.  5.  9.  ||  Hos.  4.  1,  2.  Jer. 
23.  10.  Mai.  3.  5. 

Is  there  not  much  false  swearing  in  this  land  ?  Should  you 


63 

dare  to  call  the  God  of  truth  to  witness  any  thing  which  you 
did  not  know  to  be  strictly  true  ? 

120.  What  saith  the  law  and  the  testimony  respecting  blasphe- 
my ? 

And  the  son  of  an  Israelitish  woman,  whose  father  was  an 
Egyptian,  went  out  among  the  children  of  Israel ;  and  this  son 
of  the  Israelitish  woman  and  a  man  of  Israel  strove  together  in 
the  camp ;  And  the  Israelitish  woman's  son  blasphemed  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  cursed :  And  they  brought  him  unto  Mo- 
ses. And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying,  Bring  forth  him 
that  hath  cursed  without  the  camp  ;  and  let  all  that  heard  him 
lay  their  hands  upon  his  head,  and  let  all  the  congregation 
stone  him.  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
saying,  Whosoever  curseth  his  God  shall  bear  his  sin.  And  he 
that  blasphemeth  the  name  of  the  Lord,  he  shall  surely  be 
put  to  death,  and  all  the  congregation  shall  certainly  stone 
him :  as  well  the  stranger  as  he  that  is  born  in  the  land,  when 
he  blasphemeth  the  name  of  the  Lord,  shall  be  put  to  death.- 
And  I  stood  upon  the  sand  of  the  sea,  and  saw  a  beast  rise  up 
out  of  the  sea,  having  seven  heads  and  ten  horns,  and  upon  his 
horns  ten  crowns,  and  upon  his  heads  the  name  of  blasphemy. 
And  there  was  given  unto  him  a  mouth  speaking  great  things 
and  blasphemies  ;  and  power  was  given  unto  him  to  continue 
forty  and  two  months.  And  he  opened  his  mouth  in  blasphe- 
my against  God,  to  blaspheme  his  name,  and  his  tabernacle, 
and  them  that  dwell  in  heaven.-  O  God,  how  long  shall  the 
adversary  reproach  ?  shall  the  enemy  blaspheme  thy  name  for 
ever?  Lev.  24.  10,  11,  13—16.  Rev.  13.  1,  5,  6.  Ps.  74.  10. 
jj  Rev.  16.  10,  11.  Mark  3.  2,  3,  29.  Jam.  2.  7. 

If  blasphemy  once  deserved  the  punishment  of  death,  must 
it  not  be  a  very  great  sin  ?  How  cautious,  how  watchful  ought 
you  to  be  against  its  commissions  ! 

121.  Is  not  profane  cursing  And  swearino  exceedingly 
criminal  and  highly  offensive  in  the  sight  of  God,  as  well  as  un- 
necessary, inexcusable,  and  disreputable  in  the  estimation  of 
every  considerate  man  ?  (t) 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain  : 
for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name 
in  vain.-  But  I  say  unto  you,  Swear  not  at  all :  neither  by 
heaven  ;  for  it  is  God's  throne  :  Nor  by  the  earth  ;  for  it  is  his 
footstool :  neither  by  Jerusalem  ;  for  it  is  the  city  of  the  great 
King :  Neither  shalt  thou  swear  by  thy  head,  because  thou  canst 
not  make  one  hair  white  or  black.     But  let  your  communica- 

(t)  See  Appendix,  Note  T. 


64 

tion  be,  Yea,  yea  ;  Nay,  nay  :  for  whatsoever  is  more  than  these 
cometh  of  evil.-  But  above  all  things,  my  brethren,  swear  not, 
neither  by  heaven,  neither  by  the  earth,  neither  by  any  other 
oath  :  but  let  your  yea,  be  yea  ;  and  your  nay,  nay  ;  lest  ye  fall 
into  condemnation.  Ex.  20.  7.  Mat.  5.  34—37.  Jam.  5.  12.  ||  Hos. 
4.  2.  Mat.  23.  16—22.  Ps.  59.  12.  and  109.  17,  18.  Lev.  18.  21. 
Have  you  never  profaned  the  name  of  God  ?  Do  you  not 
profane  it  whenever  you  mention  it  without  reverence  ? 

122.  Why  is  it  that  so  many  indulge  in  profaneness  ? 

Because  sentence  against  an  evil  work  is  not  executed  speedi- 
ly, therefore  the  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  fully  9et  in  them  to 
do  evil.-  Their  throat  is  an  open  sepulchre  ;  with  their  tongues 
they  have  used  deceit ;  the  poison  of  asps  is  under  their  lips  : 
Whose  mouth  is  full  of  cursing  and  bitterness.  There  is  no 
fear  of  God  before  their  eyes.-  This  is  an  evil  among  all  things 
that  are  done  under  the  sun,  that  there  is  one  event  unto  all : 
yea,  also  the  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  full  of  evil,  and  mad- 
ness is  in  their  heart  while  they  live,  and  after  that  they  go  to 
the  dead,  (u)  Eccl.  8.  11.  Rom.  3.  13,  14,  18.  Eccl.  9.  3. 
||  Jer.  17.  9.  Ps.  36.  1,  3.  Jam.  3.  8—10. 

Profaneness  affords  neither  honour,  profit,  nor  pleasure,  un- 
less it  can  afford  pleasure  to  destroy  the  souls  of  children  and 
others  under  the  influence  of  such  examples — to  degrade  the  man 
below  the  brute  and  imitate  apostate  spirits. 

Does  not  the  corrupting  influence  of  bad  examples  spread 
the  contagion  of  profaneness  ?  Has  your  example  always  en- 
couraged reverence  for  the  name  of  God  ? 

123.  What  general  directions  are  given  with  respect  to  the  sab- 
bath? 

Remember  the  sabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  days  shalt 
thou  labour,  and  do  all  thy  work  :  But  the  seventh  day  is  the 
sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  :  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work, 
thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy 
maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy 
gates  :  For  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea 
and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day :  wherefore 
theLord  blessed  the  sabbath-day,  and  hallowed  it.-  And  on  the 
seventh  day  God  ended  his  work  which  he  had  made  ;  and  he 
rested  on  the  seventh  day  from  all  his  work  which  he  had  made. 
And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  sanctified  it :  because 
that  in  it  he  had  rested  from  all  his  work  which  God  created 
and  made.-  There  remaineth  therefore  a  rest  to  the  people  of 
<Job.     For  he  that  is  entered  into  his  rest,  he  also  hath  ceased 

(u)  See  Appendix,  Note  U 


•om  his.     Now  concerning 


from  his  own  works,  as  God  I 

the  collection  for  the  saints,  is  I  Aaye  given  order  to  the 
churches  of  Galatia,  even  so  do  ye.-  Upon  the  first  day  of  the 
week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God  hath 
prospered  him,  that  there  be  no  gatherings  when  I  come.-  And 
upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when  the  disciples  came  togeth- 
er to  break  bread,  Paul  preached  unto  them,  (ready  to  depart 
on  the  morrow)  and  continued  his  speech  until  midnight.  Ex. 
20.  8—11.  Gen.  2.  2,  3.  Heb.  4.  9,  10.  1  Cor.  16.  1,  2.  Acts 
20.  7.  [|  Ex.  16.  25—28.  Jer.  17.  21,  22.  Lev.  23.  3,  32.  Mark 
2.27. 

Are  you  pleased  that  God  has  appointed  one  day  in  seven  to 
be  a  holy  rest  ?  Is  not  the  institution  of  the  sabbath  in  Eden 
an  evidence  of  its  perpetual  obligation  ? 

124.  What  authority  have  we  from  scriptural  precepts  and  ex- 
amples for  attending  public  worship  on  the  sabbath? 

Ye  shall  keep  my  sabbaths,  and  reverence  my  sanctuary :  I 
am  the  Lord.-  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  from  one  new- 
moon  to  another,  and  from  one  sabbath  to  another,  shall  all 
flesh  come  to  worship  before  me,  saith  the  Lord.-  Likewise  the 
people  of  the  land  shall  worship  at  the  door  of  this  gate  before 
the  Lord  in  the  sabbaths  and  in  the  new-moons.-  And  Jesus 
returned  in  the  power  of  the  Spirit  into  Galilee :  and  there 
went  out  a  fame  of  him  through  all  the  region  round  about. 
And  he  taught  in  their  synagogues,  being  glorified  of  all.  And 
he  came  to  Nazareth,  where  he  had  been  brought  up  :  and,  as 
his  custom  was,  he  went  into  the  synagogue  on  the  sabbath- 
day,  and  stood  up  for  to  read.  And  came  down  to  Capernaum, 
a  city  of  Galilee,  and  taught  them  on  the  sabbath-days.  And 
they  were  astonished  at  his  doctrine :  for  his  word  was  with 
power.-  And  Paul,  as  his  manner  was,  went  in  unto  them,  and 
three  sabbath-days  reasoned  with  them  out  of  the  scriptures, 
Opening  and  alleging,  that  Christ  must  needs  have  suffered, 
and  risen  again  from  the  dead ;  and  that  this  Jesus,  whom  I 
preach  unto  you,  is  Christ.  Lev.  19.  30.  Is.  66.  23.  Ez.  46.  3. 
Luke  4.  14—16,  31,  32.  Acts  17.  2,  3.  ||  and  13.  14—16,  26, 
42,  44.  and  15.  21.  and  18.  4. 

Have  you  statedly,  attentively,  prayerfully,  and  profitably, 
waited  on  God  in  his  earthly  Sanctuary  ?  Have  you  delighted 
in  the  assemblies  of  the  saints  ? 

125.  Is  praise  to  God  an  important  and  animating  part  of 
public  and  private  worship  ?  (v) 

Oh  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for 
his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men  !  Let  them  exalt 
(v)  See  Appendix,  Note  V. 
F2 


66 

him  also  in  the  congregation  of  the  people,  and  praise  him 
in  the  assembly  of  the  elders.-  Sing  praises  to  the  Lord, 
which  dwelleth  in  Zion :  declare  among  the  people  his  doings.- 
Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  all  ye  lands.  Serve  the  Lord 
"with  gladness  :  come  before  his  presence  with  singing.  Know 
ye  that  the  Lord  he  is  Gcd  :  it  is  he  that  hath  made  us,  and 
not  we  ourselves  ;  we  ar  :  his  people,  and  the  sheep  of  his  pas- 
ture. Enter  into  his  gates  with  thanksgiving,  and  into  his 
courts  with  praise :  be  thankful  unto  him,  and  bless  his  name. 
For  the  Lord  is  good  ;  his  mercy  is  everlasting ;  and  his  truth 
endureth  to  all  generations.  Ps.  107.  31,  32.  and  9.  11.  and 
100.  1—5.  ||  and  27.  4,  6.  and  95.  1—3.  and  148.  11—13.  CoL 
3.  16. 

Have  your  hearts  been  attuned  to  praise  your  God  and  Re- 
deemer, when  the  songs  of  Zion  have  sounded  in  your  ears,  or 
been  pronounced  by  your  lips  ?  Have  you  learned  the  New 
Song  which  employs  the  rapturous  harps  of  heaven  ? 

126.  What  was  the  language  and  conduct  of  a  good  magistrate 
respecting  the  observance  of  the  sabbath  ? 

Then  contended  I  with  the  rulers,  and  said,  Why  is  the  house 
of  God  forsaken  ?  And  I  gathered  them  together,  and  set  them 
in  their  place.  In  those  days  saw  I  in  Judah  some  treading 
wine-presses  on  the  sabbath,  and  bringing  in  sheaves,  and  lading 
asses ;  as  also  wine,  grapes,  and  figs,  and  all  manner  of  bur- 
dens, which  they  brought  into  Jerusalem  on  the  sabbath-day : 
and  I  testified  against  them  in  the  day  wherein  they  sold 
victuals.  There  dwelt  men  of  Tyre  also  therein,  which  brought 
fish,  and  all  manner  of  ware,  and  sold  on  the  sabbath  unto  the 
^children  of  Judah,  and  in  Jerusalem.  Then  I  contended  with 
the  nobles  of  Judah,  and  said  unto  them,  What  evil  thing  is 
this  that  ye  do,  and  profane  the  sabbath-day  ?  Did  not  your 
fathers  thus,  and  did  not  our  God  bring  all  this  evil  upon  U3, 
and  upon  this  city  ?  yet  ye  bring  more  wrath  upon  Israel  by 
profaning  the  sabbath.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  the 
gates  of  Jerusalem  began  to  be  dark  before  the  sabbath,  I  com- 
manded that  the  gates  should  be  shut,  and  charged  that  they 
should  not  be  opened  till  after  the  sabbath :  and  some  of  my 
servants  set  I  at  the  gates,  that  there  should  no  burden  be 
brought  in  on  the  sabbath-day.  Neh.  13.  11,  15 — 19.  ||  and 
13.  20—22.  and  10.  29,  31. 

Would  it  not  promote  the  interests  of  religion  and  the  welfare 
of  the  community  to  have  such  magistrates  as  Nehemiah  multi- 
plied in  our  land  ?  Is  not  the  sabbath  much  profaned  by  jour- 
neys of  business  and  of  pleasure  ? 


67 

127.  What  blessings  are  promised  to  those  who  keep  the  sab- 
toath  holy  ? 

If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  sabbath,  from  doing  thy 
pleasure  on  my  holy  day  ;  and  call  the  sabbath  a  delight,  the 
holy  of  the  Lord,  honourable  ;  and  shalt  honour  him,  not  doing 
thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own  pleasure,  nor  speaking 
thine  own  words :  Then  shalt  thou  delight  thyself  in  the  Lord ; 
and  I  will  cause  thee  to  ride  upon  the  high  places  of  the  earth, 
and  feed  thee  with  the  heritage  of  Jacob  thy  father :  for  the 
mouth  of  the  Lord  bath  spoken  it.  Is.  58.  13,  14.  ||  and  56. 
2,  4—7. 

Have  you  experienced  the  spiritual  blessings  of  sanctifying 
the  sabbath  ?  Have  you  had  foretastes  of  the  everlasting  sab- 
bath which  remains  for  the  people  of  God? 

128.  What  threatenings  hare  been  denounced  or  executed 
against  sabbath-breakers  ? 

Ye  shall  keep  the  sabbath  therefore :  for  it  is  holy  unto  you. 
Every  one  that  defileth  it  shall  surely  be  put  to  death :  for 
Whosoever  doeth  any  work  therein,  that  soul  shall  be  cut  off 
from  among  his  people.  Six  days  may  work  be  done,  but  in 
the  seventh  is  the  sabbath  of  rest,  holy  to  the  Lord :  whoso- 
ever doeth  any  work  in  the  sabbath-day  he  shall  surely  be 
put  to  death.-  But  if  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  me  to  hallow 
the  sabbath-day,  and  not  to  ;bear  a  burden,  even  entering  in  at 
the  gates  of  Jerusalem  on  the  sabbath-day  ;  then  will  I  kindle 
:a  fire  in  the  gates  thereof,  and  it  shall  devour  the  palaces  of 
Jerusalem,  and  it  shall  not  be  quenched.—  Moreover  also  I  gave 
them  my  sabbaths,  to  be  a  sign  between  me  and  them,  that 
they  might  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  that  sanctify  them.  But 
the  house  of  Israel  rebelled  against  me  in  the  wilderness :  they 
walked  not  in  my  statutes,  and  they  despised  my  judgments, 
which  if  a  man  do,  he  shall  even  live  in  them :  and  my  sab- 
baths they  greatly  polluted :  then  I  said,  I  would  pour  out  my 
fury  upon  them  in  the  wilderness,  to  consume  them.  Yet  also 
I  lifted  up  my  Tiand  unto  them  in  the  wilderness,  that  I  would 
not  bring  them  into  the  land  which  I  had  given  them,  flowing 
with  milk  and  honey,  which  is  the  glory  of  all  lands  *,  Because 
they  despised  my  judgments,  and  walked  not  in  my  statutes, 
but  polluted  my  sabbaths :  for  their  heart  went  after  their  idols. 
I  lifted  up  mine  hand  unto  them  also  in  the  wilderness,  that  I 
would  scatter  them  among  the  heathen,  and  disperse  them 
through  the  countries.  Ex.  31.  14,  15.  Jer.  17.  27.  Ez.  20. 12, 
13,  15,  16,  23.  ||  and  22.  8,  14—16,  31.  Num.  15.  32—36. 

Have  you  never  read  of  apparent  judgments  executed  on 
sabbath-breakers,  in  the  present  age  ?  Can  you  violate  the  sab- 
bath without  apprehensions  of  God's  displeasure  ? 


68 

129.  How  must  we  fast  to  be  accepted  and  profited  ? 

Also  on  the  tenth  day  of  this  seventh  month  there  shall  be  a 
day  of  atonement ;  it  shall  be  a  holy  convocation  unto  you,  and 
ye  shall  afflict  your  souls,  and  oifer  an  offering  made  by  fire  un- 
to the  Lord.  And  ye  shall  do  no  work  in  that  same  day ;  for 
it  is  a  day  of  atonement,  to  make  an  atonement  for  you  before 
the  Lord  your  God.-  Moreover,  when  ye  fast,  be  not  as  the  hy- 
pocrites, of  a  sad  countenance :  for  they  disfigure  their  faces, 
that  they  may  appear  unto  men  to  fast.  Verily,  I  say  unto  you, 
They  have  their  reward.  But  thou,  when  thou  fastest,  anoint 
thine  head,  and  wash  thy  face ;  That  thou  appear  not  unto  men 
to  fast,  but  unto  thy  Father,  which  is  in  secret :  and  thy  Father, 
which  seeth  in  secret,  shall  reward  thee  openly.-  Is  not  this  the 
fast  that  I  have  chosen  ?  to  loose  the  bands  of  wickedness,  to 
undo  the  heavy  burdens,  and  to  let  the  oppressed  go  free,  and 
that  ye  break  every  yoke  ?  Is  it  not  to  deal  thy  bread  to  the  hun- 
gry, and  that  thou  bring  the  poor  that  are  cast  out  to  thy  house  ? 
when  thou  seest  the  naked,  that  thou  cover  him  ;  and  that  thou 
hide  not  thyself  from  thine  own  flesh  ?  Then  shall  thy  light 
break  forth  as  the  morning,  and  thine  health  shall  spring  forth 
speedily :  and  thy  righteousness  shall  go  before  thee  ;  the  glo- 
ry of  the  Lord  shall  be  thy  rere-ward.  Lev.  23.  27,  28.  Mat. 
6.  16—18.  Is.  58.  6—8.  ||  Joel  1.  14.  and  2.  12—17.  National 
deliverances  have  been  connected  with  National  humiliation.  2 
Chron.  20.  2—4,  20—22,  29,  30.  Est.  4.  3.  and  8. 16.  Jonah  3. 
5—10. 

Have  you  kept  solemn  seasons  of  humbling  your  souls  and 
rending  your  hearts  before  God  ?  Has  not  such  fasting  been 
succeeded  by  holy  joy  ? 

130.  Are  we  required  at  all  times  to  exercise  patience  toward 
God  and  toward  men  ? 

Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for  him :  fret  not  thy- 
self because  of  him  who  prospereth  in  his  way,  because  of  the 
man  who  bringeth  wicked  devices  to  pass.  Cease  from  anger, 
and  forsake  wrath :  fret  not  thyself  in  any  wise  to  do  evil.— 
Better  is  the  end  of  a  thing  than  the  beginning  thereof:  and 
the  patient  in  spirit  is  better  than  the  proud  in  spirit.  Be  not 
hasty  in  thy  spirit  to  be  angry  :  for  anger  resteth  in  the  bosom 
of  foo^s.-  See  that  none  render  evil  for  evil  unto  any  man ;  but 
ever  follow  that  which  is  good,  both  among  yourselves,  and  to 
all  men.-  That  ye  be  not  slothful,  but  followers  of  them  who 
through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  promises.-  For  ye  have 
need  of  patience,  that,  after  ye  have  done  the  will  of  God,  ye 
might  receive  the  promise.  Be  patient  therefore,  brethren, 
unto  the  coming  of  the  Lord.     Behold,  the  husbandman  wait- 


69 

eth  for  the  precious  fruit  of  the  earth,  and  hath  long  patience 
for  it,  until  he  receive  the  early  and  latter  rain.  Be  ye  also 
patient;  establish  your  hearts:  for  the  coming  of  tire  Lord 
draweth  nigh.  Take,  my  brethren,  the  prophets,  who  have 
spoken  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  for  an  example  of  suffering  af- 
fliction, and  of  patience.  Behold,  we  count  them  happy  which 
endure.  Ye  have  heard  of  the  patience  of  Job,  and  have  seen 
the  end  of  the  Lord ;  that  the  Lord  is  very  pitiful,  and  of  tender 
mercy.  Ps.  37.  7,  8.  Eccl.  7.  8,  9.  1  Thes.  5.  15.  Heb.  6.  12. 
and  10.  36.  Jam.  5.  7,  8,  10,  11.  ||  Rom.  15.  4,  5.  and  2.  6,  7. 
and  5.  3,  4.  Rev.  3.  10. 

Can  you  calmly  wait  God's  time  to  fulfil  his  promises  ?  Can 
you  bear  insults  and  injuries  from  men  without  impatience  ? 
Have  you  learned  something  of  these  precious  lessons  in  the 
school  of  Christ  ? 

131.  What  are  some  of  the  directions  of  God  to  the  young  7 

My  son,  give  me  thine  heart,  and  let  thine  eyes  observe  my 
ways.-  Therefore  shall  ye  observe  all  my  statutes,  and  all  my 
judgments,  and  do  them :  I  am  the  Lord.-  Remember  now  thy 
Creator  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  while  the  evil  days  come  not. 
nor  the  years  draw  nigh,  when  thou  shalt  say,  I  have  no  plea 
sure  in  them.-  Flee  also  youthful  lusts  :  but  follow  righteous- 
ness, faith,  charity,  peace,  with  them  that  call  on  the  Lord  out  of 
a  pure  heart.  Prov  23.  26.  Lev.  19.  37.  Eccl.  12.  1.  2  Tim.  2. 
22.  ||  1  Kin.  2.  3.  Eccl.  11.  9,  10.  Tit.  2.  4—6.  Gen.  39.  2,  Ji, 
9,  23.  1  Sam.  2.  26.  and  3.  19. 

Have  you  obeyed  these  reasonable  requirements  ?  Will 
you,  can  you  longer  refuse  obedience  to  them  ?  Can  yoxi  be  so 
base  as  to  withhold  your  choice  days  from  the  service  of  your 
God  and  Redeemer  ? 

132.  How  shall  the  young  secure  all  necessary,  temporal,  and 
spiritual  blessings  ? 

Wherewithal  shall  a  young  man  cleanse  his  way  ?  By  taking 
heed  thereto  according  to  thy  word.-  Yea,  if  thou  criest 
after  knowledge,  and  Uftest  up  thy  voice  for  understanding  ;  If 
thou  seekest  her  as  silver,  and  searchest  for  her  as  for  hid  trea- 
sures ;  Then  shalt  thou  understand  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and 
find  the  knowledge  of  God.-  But  seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of 
God,  and  his  righteousness,  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added 
unto  you.  Ps.  119.  9.  Prov.  2.  3—5.  Mat.  6  33.  ||  Ps.  19.  7—11. 
Prov.  4.  1,  10—13.  (w) 

What  but  vital  piety  can  render  the  young,  truly  amiable, 
useful  and  happy  ?  W7ill  any  of  you  choose  the  way  of  trans 
gressors,  rather  than  wisdom's  ways  ? 

(w)  See  Appendix,  Note  W. 


70 

133.  What  peculiar  inducements  for  seeking  the  Lord  in  youih 
do  the  Scriptures  afford  ? 

But  when  Jesus  saw  it,  he  was  much  displeased,  and  said 
unto  them,  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  for- 
bid them  not :  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God.-  I  love  them 
that  love  me :  and  those  that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me.- 
For  by  me  thy  days  shall  be  multiplied,  and  the  years  of  thy 
life  shall  be  increased.  Mark  10.  14.  Prov.  8.  17.  and  9.  11. 
||  Is.  55.  6. 

Is  Christ  willing  to  receive  little  children  to  the  arms  of  his 
mercy,  and  shall  any  of  them  refuse  to  come  to  him  by  peni 
tence,  faith,  and  love  ?  How  much  love  Christ  has  manifested 
towards  you,  and  can  you  love  and  serve  him  too  young  ? 

134.  What  are  some  of  the  appropriate  Scripture  directions  to 
those  in  middle  age  ? 

I  have  written  unto  you,  young  men,  because  ye  are  strong, 
and  the  word  of  God  abideth  in  you,  and  ye  have  overcome  the 
wicked  one.  Love  not  the  world,  neither  the  things  that  are 
in  the  world.  If  any  man  love  the  world,  the  love  of  the  Fa- 
ther is  not  in  him.-  But  they  that  will  be  rich,  fall  into  tempta- 
tion, and  a  snare,  and  into  many  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which 
drown  men  in  destruction  and  perdition.  For  the  love  of  money 
is  the  root  of  all  evil :  which  while  some  coveted  after,  they 
have  erred  from  the  faith,  and  pierced  themselves  through  with 
many  sorrows.-  Therefore  I  say  unto  you,  Take  no  thought 
for  your  life,  what  ye  shall  eat,  or  what  ye  shall  drink  ;  nor 
yet  for  your  body,  what  ye  shall  put  on.  Is  not  the  life  more 
than  meat,  and  the  body  more  than  raiment  ?  1  John  2.  14, 15. 
1  Tim.  6.  9,  10.  Mat.  6.  25.  ||  1  Pet.  3.  8—12. 

Is  it  not  immensely  important  that  the  vigour  of  manhood  be 
sacredly  devoted  to  the  love  and  service  of  God  ?  Which  reigns 
in  your  hearts,  the  love  of  the  world  or  the  love  of  the  Father  ? 

135.  What  is  said  in  the  Scriptures  with  respect  to  marriage? 
So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  image  of  God 

created  he  him  ;  male  and  female  created  he  them.-  And  the 
Lord  God  said,  It  is  not  good  that  the  man  should  be  alone  :  I 
will  make  him  a  help  meet  for  him.  And  Adam  said,  this  is 
now  bone  of  my  bones,  and  flesh  of  my  flesh :  she  shall  be  call- 
ed Woman,  because  she  was  taken  out  of  man.  Therefore 
shall  a  man  leave  his  father  and  his  mother,  and  shall  cleave 
unto  his  wife  :  and  they  shall  be  one  flesh.-  For  as  the  woman 
is  of  the  man,  even  so  is  the  man  also  by  the  woman ;  but  all 
things  of  God.  Marriage  is  honourable  in  all,  and  the  bed  un- 
dented :    but  whoremongers  and  adulterers  God  will  judge. 


71 

Gen.   1.  27.  and  2.  18,  23,  24.  1  Cor.  11.  12.  Heb.  13.  4. 
||  John  2.  1,  2.  1  Cor.  7.  2—6,  29—31. 

Should  not  pious  motives  govern  in  the  selection  of  a  partner 
for  life  ?  Does  not  true  religion  in  both  parties  contribute  much 
to  the  happiness  of  the  conjugal  relation  ? 

136.  Is  divorce  expressly  forbidden  by  Christ,  except  for  a 
breach  of  the  Marriage  covenant  ? 

They  say  unto  him,  Why  did  Moses  then  command  to  give 
a  writing  of  divorcement,  and  to  put  her  away  ?  He  saith  unto 
them,  Moses,  because  of  the  hardness  of  your  hearts,  suffered 
you  to  put  away  your  wives  :  but  from  the  beginning  it  was  not 
so.  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Have  ye  not  read, 
that  he  which  made  them  at  the  beginning,  made  them  male 
and  female,  And  said,  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  father 
and  mother,  and  shall  cleave  to  his  wife :  and  they  twain  shall 
be  one  flesh  ?  Wherefore  they  are  no  more  twain,  but  one  flesh. 
What  therefore  God  hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put  asun- 
der. And  I  say  unto  you,  Whosoever  shall  put  away  his  wife, 
except  it  be  for  fornication,  and  shall  marry  another,  committeth 
adultery :  and  whoso  marrieth  her  which  is  put  away,  doth 
commit  adultery.-  It  hath  been  said,  Whosoever  shall  put 
away  his  wife,  let  him  give  her  a  writing  of  divorcement :  But 
I  say  unto  you,  That  whosoever  shall  put  away  his  wife,  saving 
for  the  cause  of  fornication,  causeth  her  to  commit  adultery : 
and  whosoever  shall  marry  her  that  is  divorced,  committeth 
adultery.  Mat.  19.  7,  8,  4—6,  9.  and  5.  31,  32.  |  Rom.  7.  2, 
3.  1  Cor.  7.  10—13,  16. 

Should  not  this  consideration  renderpersons  judiciously  cau- 
tious in  the  choice  of  a  bosom  companion  ?  Is  it  not  a  violation 
of  the  spirit  of  these  precepts  for  the  married  to  be  frequently 
wishing  themselves  single  again  for  more  than  one  cause  ? 

137.  What  are  some  of  the  most  important  duties  of  hus- 
bands ? 

Husbands,  love  your  wives,  even  as  Christ  also  loved  the 
church,  and  gave  himself  for  it.  So  ought  men  to  love  their 
wives,  as  their  own  bodies.  He  that  loveth  his  wife  loveth 
himself.-  Likewise,  ye  husbands,  dwell  with  them  according  to 
knowledge,  giving  honour  unto  the  wifr,  as  unto  the  weaker 
vessel,  and  as  being  heirs  together  of  the  grace  of  life ;  that 
your  prayers  be  not  hindered.  Eph.  5.  25,  28.  1  Pet.  3.  7. 
||  Col.  3.  19.  Eccl.  9.  9.  Prov.  18.  22. 

Would  it  not  much  diminish  domestic  trials  if  all  husbands 
loved  their  wives  and  dwelt  with  them  according  to  knowledge  ? 


72 

How  desirable  that  every  husband  love  his  wife  as  Christ  lores 
the  Church ! 

138.  What  are  the  appropriate  duties  of  wives  ? 

Who  can  find  a  virtuous  woman  ?  for  her  price  is  far  above 
rubi°s.  The  heart  of  her  husband  doth  safely  trust  in  her,  so 
that  he  shall  have  no  need  of  spoil.  She  will  do  him  good  and 
not  evil  all  the  days  of  her  life.-  Likewise,  ye  wives,  be  in  sub- 
jection to  your  own  husbands  ;  that,  if  any  obey  not  the  word, 
they  also  may  without  the  word  be  won  by  the  conversation 
of  the  wives ;  While  they  behold  your  chaste  conversation 
coupled  with  fear.  Whose  adorning  let  it  not  be  that  outward 
adorning  of  plaiting  the  hair,  and  of  wearing  of  gold,  or  of 
putting  on  of  apparel ;  But  let  it  be  the  hidden  man  of  the 
heart,  in  that  which  is  not  corruptible,  even  the  ornament  of  a 
meek  and  quiet  spirit,  which  is  in  the  sight  of  Gon  of  great 
price.  For  after  this  manner  in  the  old  time  the  holy  women 
also,  who  trusted  in  God,  adorned  themselves,  being  in  subjec- 
tion unto  their  own  husbands :  Even  as  Sara  obeyed  Abraham, 
calling  him  lord :  whose  daughters  ye  are,  as  long  as  ye  do 
well,  and  are  not  afraid  with  any  amazement.  Prov.  31.  10 — 
12.  1  Pet.  3.  1—6.  ||  Tit.  2.  4,  5.  Prov.  19.  14.  and  31.  30,  31. 
Eph.  5.  22,  23.  Col.  3.  18. 

How  much  the  Scriptures  have  elevated  the  rank  of  a  wife  ? 
How  thankfully  and  cheerfully  should  the  wife  conform  ta 
these  precepts  ? 

139.  What  are  the  duties  of  parents  ? 

And,  ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to  wrath  :  but 
bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.- 
And  these  words  which  I  command  thee  this  day,  shall  be  in 
thine  heart:  And  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto  thy 
children,  and  shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine  house, 
and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down, 
and  when  thou  risest  up.-  For  he  established  a  testimony  in 
Jacob,  and  appointed  a  law  in  Israel,  which  he  commanded  our 
fathers,  that  they  should  make  them  known  to  their  children : 
That  the  generation  to  come  might  know  them,  even  the  chil- 
dren which  should  be  born  :  who  should  arise  and  declare  them 
to  their  children  :  That  they  might  set  their  hope  in  God,  and 
not  forget  the  works  of  God,  but  keep  his  commandments.  Eph. 
6.  4.  Deut.  6.  6,  7.  Ps.  78.  5—7.  ||  Deut.  32. 46,  47.  2  Cor.  12. 
14.  1  Tim.  5.  8.  Prov.  29.  17, 15. 

How  great  the  responsibility  of  parents  I  How  arduous  their 
duties  ? 


73 

140.  What  promises  are  made  to  faithful  parents  ? 

And  I  will  give  them  one  heart  and  one  way,  that  they  may 
fear  me  for  ever,  for  the  good  of  them,  and  of  their  children  after 
them.-  I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  old  ;  yet  have  I  not 
seen  the  righteous  forsaken,  nor  his  seed  begging  bread.  For 
the  Lord  loveth  judgment,  and  forsaketh  not  his  saints  ;  they 
are  preserved  for  ever :  but  the  seed  of  the  wicked  shall  be 
cut  off.-  The  just  man  walketh  in  his  integrity :  his  children 
are  blessed  after  him.-  For  I  will  pour  water  upon  him  that  is 
thirsty,  and  floods  upon  the  dry  ground  :  I  will  pour  my  Spirit 
upon  thy  seed,  and  my  blessing  upon  thine  offspring  :  And  they 
shall  spring  up  as  among  the  grass,  as  willows  by  the  water- 
courses. Jer.  32.  39.  Ps.  37.  25,  28.  Prov.  20. 7.  Is.  44.  3,  4. 
||  Ps.  112.  1,  2.  Acts  2.  38,  39.  Prov.  22.  6.  and  23.  13,  14. 

What  more  encouragement  to  fidelity  could  parents  ask? 
How  can  any  parents  neglect  their  children's  souls  ? 

141.  Does  God  visit  in  judgment  the  families  of  negligent, 
and  unfaithful  parents  ? 

And  the  Lord  said  to  Samuel,  Behold,  I  will  do  a  thing  in 
Israel,  at  which  both  the  ears  of  every  one  that  heareth  it  shall 
tingle.  In  that  day  I  will  perform  against  Eli  all  things  which 
I  have  spoken  concerning  his  house  :  when  I  begin,  I  will  also 
make  an  end.  For  I  have  told  him,  that  I  will  judge  his  house 
for  ever,  for  the  iniquity  which  he  knoweth :  because  his  sons 
made  themselves  vile,  and  he  restrained  them  not.  And  there- 
fore I  have  sworn  unto  the  house  of  Eli,  that  the  iniquity  of  Eli's 
house  shall  not  be  purged  with  sacrifice  nor  offering  for  ever. 
1  Sam.  3. 11—14.  ||  and  4.  12—18.  Ex.  34.  6,  7.  1  Kin.  1.  5,  6. 

How  cutting  must  have  been  the  reflections  of  Eli  ?  How  keen 
must  be  the  anguish  of  unfaithful  parents  who  meet  their  chil- 
dren in  the  regions  of  despair  ? 

142.  What  are  the  duties  of  children  ? 

My  son,  hear  the  instruction  of  thy  father,  and  forsake  not  the 
law  of  thy  mother  :  For  they  shall  be  an  ornament  of  grace 
unto  thy  head,  and  chains  about  thy  neck.-  Children,  obey 
your  parents  in  the  Lord  :  for  this  is  right.  Honour  thy  father 
and  mother,  (which  is  the  first  commandment  with  promise.) 
That  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  thou  mayest  live  long  on 
the  earth.  Prov.  1.  8,  9.  Eph.  6.  1—3.  ||  Lev.  19.  3.  Jer.  35. 
18,  19.  Col.  3.  20. 

Have  you  as  children  rendered  all  that  affection  and  obedience 
to  parents  which  the  Scriptuies  enjoin  ?  How  base  and  criminal 
to  do  otherwise  ? 
G 


74 

143.  How  can  children  best  repay  the  kindness  and  rejoice  the 
hearts  of  their  anxious  parents  ? 

I  have  no  greater  joy  than  to  hear  that  my  children  walk  in 
truth.-  My  son,  if  thine  heart  be  wise,  my  heart  shall  rejoice, 
even  mine.  Yea,  my  reins  shall  rejoice,  when  thy  lips  speak 
right  things.  Hear  thou,  my  son,  and  be  wise,  and  guide  thine 
heart  in  the  way.  Buy  the  truth,  and  sell  it  not ;  also  wisdom, 
and  instruction,  and  understanding.  The  father  of  the  righteous 
shall  greatly  rejoice :  and  he  that  begeteth  a  wise  child  shall 
have  joy  of  him.  Thy  father  and  thy  mother  shall  be  glad,  and 
she  that  bare  thee  shall  rejoice.  3  John  4.  Prov.  23. 15,16, 19, 
23—25.  ||  and  10.  1.  1  Kin.  1.  47,  48. 

Have  you  done  all  in  your  power  to  rejoice  the  hearts  of 
pious  parents  ?  Can  they  rejoice  over  you  as  truly  pious  ? 

144.  What  are  the  consequences  of  wickedness  and  disobedience 
in  children  ? 

A  foolish  son  is  a  grief  to  his  father,  and  bitterness  to  her  that 
bare  him.-  There  is  a  generation  that  curseth  their  father,  and 
doth  not  bless  their  mother.  The  eye  that  mocketh  at  his  fa- 
ther, and  despiseth  to  obey  his  mother,  the  ravens  of  the  valley 
shall  pick  it  out,  and  the  young  eagles  shall  eat  it,-  C  ursed  be 
he  that  setteth  light  by  his  father  or  his  mother  r  and  all  the 
people  shall  say,  Amen.  Prov.  17.  25.  and  30,  11,  17.  Deut. 
27.  16.  ||  Prov.  19.  13,  26.  and  28.  7.  Deut,  21.  18—21. 

Are  none  of  you  exposed  to  the  curse  of  God  in  consequence 
of  your  treatment  of  parents  ?  Shall  not  such  children  immedi 
ately  seek  the  pardoning  mercy  of  God? 

145.  What  are  the  duties  of  masters? 

Masters,  give  unto  your  servants  that  which  is  just  and  equal; 
knowing  that  ye  also  have  a  Master  in  heaven.-  Thou  shalt 
not  rule  over  him  with  rigour,  but  shalt  fear  thy  God.-  Thou 
shalt  not  oppress  an  hired  servant  that  is  poor  and  needy, 
whether  he  be  of  thy  brethren,  or  of  thy  strangers  that  are  in 
thy  land  within  thy  gates.-  And,  ye  masters,  do  the  same  things 
unto  them,  forbearing  threatening :  knowing  that  your  Master 
also  is  in  heaven  ;  neither  is  there  respect  of  persons  with  him.- 
If  I  did  despise  the  cause  of  my  man-servant,  or  of  my  maid-ser- 
vant, when  they  contended  with  me ;  What  then  shall  I  do 
when  God  riseth  up  ?  and  when  he  visiteth,  what  shall  I  answer 
him  ?-  Behold,  the  hire  of  the  labourers  who  have  reaped  down 
your  fields,  which  is  of  you  kept  back  by  fraud,  crieth  ;  and  the 
cries  of  them  which  have  reaped  are  entered  into  the  ears  of  the 
Lord  of  Sabaoth.  Col.  4.  1.  Lev.  25.  43.  Deut.  24. 14.  Eph. 
6.  9.  Job  31.  13,  14.  Jam.  5.  4. 


75 

How  much  the  condition  of  servants  would  be  improved  if 
all  masters  were  such  as  the  Scriptures  require  them  to  be  ?  Had 
you  servants,  how  would  you  treat  them  ? 

146.  What  are  the  duties  of  servants  ? 

Servants,  be  obedient  to  them  that  are  your  masters  accord- 
ing to  the  flesh,  with  fear  and  trembling,  in  singleness  of  your 
heart,  as  unto  Christ ;  Not  with  eye-service,  as  men-pleasers  ; 
but  as  the  servants  of  Christ,  doing  the  will  of  God  from  the 
heart ;  with  gOod  will  doing  service,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  to 
men :  Knowing  that  whatsoever  good  thing  any  man  doeth, 
the  same  shall  he  receive  of  the  Lord,  whether  he  be  bond  or 
free.-  Servants,  be  subject  to  your  masters  with  all  fear  ;  not 
only  to  the  good  and  gentle,  but  also  to  the  froward.  For 
this  is  thank-worthy,  if  a  man  for  conscience  toward  God  en- 
dure grief,  suffering  wrongfully.  For  what  glor^is  it,  if,  when 
ye  be  buffeted  lor  your  faults,  ye  shall  take  it  patiently  ?  but 
if,  when  ye  do  well,  and  suffer  for  it,  ye  take  it  patiently,  this 
is  acceptable  with  God.-  Servants,  obey  in  all  things  your 
masters  according  to  the  flesh  ;  not  with  eye-service,  as  men- 
pleasers  ;  but  in  singleness  of  heart,  fearing  God  :  And  what- 
soever ye  do,  do  it  heartily,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  men ; 
Knowing  that  of  the  Lord  ye  shall  receive  the  reward  of  the 
inheritance  :  for  ye  serve  the  Lord  Christ.  But  he  that  doeth 
wrong,  shall  receive  for  the  wrong  which  he  hath  done  :  ■  and 
there  is  no  respect  of  persons.-  Let  as  many  servants  as  are 
under  the  yoke  count  their  own  masters  worthy  of  all  honour, 
that  the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine  be  not  blasphemed. 
And  they  that  have  believing  masters,  let  them  not  despise 
them,  because  they  are  brethren ;  but  rather  do  them  service, 
because  th.ey  are  faithful  and  beloved,  partakers  of  the  benefit. 
These  things  teach  and  exhort.-  Exhort  servants  to  be  obedient 
unto  their  own  masters,  and  to  please  them  t#;1i  in  all  things ; 
not  answering  again  ;  Not  purloining,  but  shewing  all  good  fidel- 
ity ;  that  they  may  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in 
all  things.  Eph.  6.  5—8.  1  Pet.  2.  18—20.  Col.  3.  22—25.  1 
Tim.  6.  1,  2.  Tit.  2.  9,  10. 

Have  you  been  faithful  in  service  from  love  and  obedience 
to  Christ  ?  What  an  inestimable  blessing  to  have  pious  ser- 
vants? 

147.  What  are  the  duties  of  magistrates  ? 

Judges  and  officers  shalt  thou  make  thee  m  all  thy  gates, 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  throughout  thy  tribes : 
and  they  shall  judge  the  people  with  just  judgment.  Thou 
ehalt  not  wrest  judgment ;    thou  shalt   not  respect   persons, 


neither  take  a  gift :  for  a  gift  doth  blind  the  eyes  of  the  wise, 
and  pervert  the  words  of  the  righteous.  That  which  is  alto- 
gether just  shalt  thou  follow,  that  thou  mayest  live,  and  in- 
herit the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee.-  Thus 
saith  the  Lord ;  Execute  ye  judgment  and  righteousness,  and 
deliver  the  spoiled  out  of  the  hand  of  the  oppressor  :  and  do  no 
wrong,  do  no  violence  to  the  stranger,  the  fatherless,  nor  the 
widow,  neither  shed  innocent  blood  in  this  place.-  Thus  saith 
the  Lord  God  ;  Let  it  suffice  you,  O  princes  of  Israel :  remove 
violence  and  spoil,  and  execute  judgment  and  justice,  take 
away  your  exactions  from  my  people,  saith  the  Lord  God. 
Deut.  16,  18—20.  Jer.  22.  3.  Ez.  45.  9.  ||  Deut.  1.  16,  17.  Ps. 
82.  3,  4.  Deut.  25.  1.  and  19.  16—19. 

How  desirable  to  have  magistrates  govern  by  the  rules  ol 
Scripture?  How  important  in  elective  governments  that  the 
pious  only  be  raised  to  places  of  power  and  trust. 

148.  Whaf  are  the  consequences  of  having  wicked  magis- 
trates ? 

And  judgment  is  turned  away  backward,  and  justice  stand- 
eth  afar  off:  for  truth  is  fallen  in  the  street,  and  equity  cannot 
enter.-  And  moreover  I  saw  under  the  sun  the  place  of  judg- 
ment, that  wickedness  was  there  ;  and  the  place  of  righteous- 
ness, that  iniquity  was  there.  I  said  in  mine  heart,  God  shall 
judge  the  righteous  and  the  wicked :  for  there  is  a  time  there 
for  every  purpose  and  for  every  work.-  The  wicked  walk  on 
every  side,  when  the  vilest  men  are  exalted.-  When  the  righte- 
ous are  in  authority,  the  people  rejoice :  but  when  the  wicked 
beareth  rule,  the  people  mourn.  Is.  59.  14.  Eccl.  3.  16,  17. 
Ps.  12.  8.  Prov.  29.  2.  ||  Amos  5.  12,  13.  Is.  19.  14.  Prov.  28. 
15,  16. 

Have  we  not  reason  to  lament  that  there  are  no  more  righte- 
ous men  in  authority  in  this  land  ?  Have  we  not  reason  to  be 
thankful  there  %re  so  many  ? 

149.  What  are  the  duties  of  subjects  ? 

Let  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the  higher  powers.  For  there 
is  no  power  but  of  God  :  the  powers  that  be  are  ordained  of 
God.  Whosoever  therefore  resisteth  the  power,  resisteth  the 
ordinance  of  God  :  and  they  that  resist  shall  receive  to  them- 
selves damnation.  For  rulers  are  not  a  terror  to  good  works, 
but  to  the  evil.  Wilt  thou  then  not  be  afraid  of  the  power? 
do  that  which  is  good,  and  thou  shalt  have  praise  of  the  same : 
For  he  is  the  minister  of  God  to  thee  for  good.  But  if  thou  do 
that  which  is  evil,  be  afraid ;  for  he  beareth  not  the  sword  in 
vain :  for  he  is  the  minister  of  God,  a  revenger  to  execute  wrath 
upon  him  that  doeth  evil.     Wbereibre  ye  must  needs  be  subject, 


77 

not  only  for  wrath,  but  also  for  conscience'  sake.  For,  for  this 
cause  pay  ye  tribute  also  :  for  they  are  God's  ministers,  attend- 
ing continually  upon  this  very  thing.  Render  therefore  to  all 
their  dues :  tribute  to  whom  tribute  is  due  ;  custom  to  whom 
custom;  fear  to  whom  fear;  honour  to  whom  honour.-  Put 
them  in  mind  to  be  subject  to  principalities  and  powers,  to  obey 
magistrates,  to  be  ready  to  every  good  work.  Rom.  13.  1 — 7. 
Tit.  3.  1.  ||  1  Pet.  2.  13—17.  Ezra  7.  26.  Ex.  22.  28.  Eccl.  10.  20. 
Have  you  been  dutiful  subjects  ?  Are  you  in  subjection  to  the 
Supreme  Ruler  of  the  Universe? 

150-  Are  subjects  required  to  pray  for  their  rulers  ? 

I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplications,  prayers,  in- 
tercessions, and  giving  of  thanks  be  made  for  all  men :  For 
kings,  and  for  all  that  are  in  authority ;  that  we  may  lead  a 
quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and  honesty.  For  this 
is  good  and  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God  our  Saviour.  1  Tim. 
2.  1—3.  ||  Ezra  6.  10  Jer.  29.  7. 

Have  your  hearts  often  ascended  to  God  in  fervent  prayer 
for  your  rulers  ?  Or  have  you  been  more  disposed  to  censure 
them  than  to  pray  for  them  ?  • 

151.    What  are  some  of  the  duties  of  Gospel  ministers  ? 

The  prophet  that  hath  a  dream,  let  him  tell  a  dream  ;  and 
he  that  hath  my  word,  let  him  speak  my  word  faithfully.  What 
is  the  chaff  to  the  wheat?  saith  the  Lord.-  But  watch  thou  in 
all  things,  endure  afflictions,  do  the  work  of  an  evangelist,  make 
full  proof  of  thy  ministry.-  But  speak  thou  the  things  which  be- 
come sound  doctrine  :  In  all  things  shewing  thyself  a  pattern  of 
good  works :  in  doctrine  shewing  uncorruptness,  gravity,  sin- 
cerity, sound  speech  that  cannot  be  condemned  ;  that  he  that 
is  of  the  contrary  part  may  be  ashamed,  having  no  evil  thing  to 
say  of  you.—  Study  to  shew  thyself  approved  unto  God,  a 
workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the 
word  of  truth.  But  foolish  and  unlearned  questions  avoid, 
knowing  that  they  do  gender  strifes.  And  the  servant  of  the 
Lord  must  not  strive  ;  but  be  gentle  unto  all  men,  apt  to  teach, 
patient ;  In  meekness  instructing  those  that  oppose  themselves  ; 
if  God  peradventure  will  give  themiepentance  to  the  acknow- 
ledging of  the  truth  ;  And  that  they  may  recover  themselves 
out  of  the  snare  of  the  devil,  who  are  taken  captive  by  him  at 
his  will.-  For  a  bishop  must  be  blameless,  as  the  steward  of 
God  :  not  self-willed,  not  soon  angry,  not  given  to  wine,  no 
striker,  not  given  to  filthy  lucre  ;  But  a  lover  of  hospitality,  a 
lover  of  good  men,  sober,  just,  holy,  temperate  ;  Holding  fast 
the  faithful  word  as  he  hath  been  taught,  that  he  may  be  able 
G2 


78 

by  sound  doctrine  both  to  exhort  and  to  convince  the  gainsayers. 
Jer.  23.  28.  2  Tim.  4.  5.  Tit.  2.  1,  7,  8.  2  Tim.  2.  15,  23—26. 
Tit.  1.  7—9.  ||  Ez.  3.  17—19.  1  Cor.  2.  1,  2.  2  Cor.  4.  1,  2. 
i  Tim.  5.  17,  20,  21.  1  Pet.  5.  2,  4. 

Have  you  reflected  how  solemn  the  circumstances  of  those 
who  watch  for  souls  ?  Have  you  felt  that  they  must  be  faithful 
whether  it  pleases  or  displeases  their  hearers  ? 

152.  Do  faithful  ministers  pray  for  their  people  ? 
Wherefore  also  we  pray  always  for  you,  that  our  Gon  would 

count  you  worthy  of  this  calling,  and  fulfil  all  the  good  plea- 
sure of  his  goodness,  and  the  work  of  faith  with  power:  That 
the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  may  be  glorified  in  you,  and 
ye  in  him,  according  to  the  grace  of  our  God,  and  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.-  For  this  cause  we  also,  since  the  day  we  heard 
it,  do  not  cease  to  pray  for  you,  and  to  desire  that  ye  might  be 
fdled  with  the  knowledge  of  his  will  in  all  wisdom  and  spiritual 
understanding  ;  That  ye  might  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto 
:ill  pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  every  good  work,  and  increasing 
in  the  knowledge  of  God  ;  Strengthened  with  all  might,  ac- 
cording to  his  glorious  power,  unto  all  patience  and  long-suf- 
ering  with  joyfulness.  2  Thes.  1.  11,  12.  Col.  1.  9—11.  ||  In- 
tances  of  this  nature.  Moses,  Ex.  32.  11,  &c.  and  Num. 
14.  13,  &c.  Samuel,  1  Sam.  12.  23.  Daniel,  Dan.  9.  4,  &c. 
Amos,  Amos  7.  2 — 6.  Intercession  was  forbidden  Jeremiah. 
Jer.  7.  16. 

Do  you  not  reflect  that  pious  ministers  have  prayed  and  per- 
haps wept  over  you  in  their  closets  ?  How  great  a  blessing  to 
have  a  truly  devout  minister  ? 

153.  What  blessings  are  promised  to  faithfulness  in  the 
???  inistry  ? 

Therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord,  If  thou  return,  then  will  I 
nring  thee  again,  and  thou  shalt  stand  before  me  :  and  if  thou 
take  forth  the  precious  from  the  vile,  thou  shalt  be  as  my  mouth : 
let  them  return  unto  thee  ;  but  return  not  thou  unto  them.- 
Take  heed  unto  thyself,  and  unto  the  doctrine  ;  continue  in 
them :  for  in  doing  this  thou  shalt  both  save  thyself,  and  them 
that  hear  thee.-  And  when  the  chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  ye 
shall  receive  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away.-  And  they 
that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament ; 
and  they  that  turn  many  to  righteousness  as  the  stars  for  ever 
and  ever.  Jer.  15.  19.  1  Tim.  4.  16.  1  Pet.  5.  4.  Dan.  12.  3. 
||  2  Tim.  4.  7,  8.  Jam.  1.  12.  Mat.  28.  20. 

Are  you  willing  to  have  ministers,  faithful  towards  you** 
How  great  the  honour  of  labouring  for  the  salvation  of  souls  I 


79 

154.  What  are  the  characters  and  destination  of  false  teachers  ? 

For  from  the  least  of  them  even  unto  the  greatest  of  them 
very  one  is  given  to  covetousness  ;  and  from  the  prophet  even 
unto  the  priest  every  one  dealeth  falsely.  They  have  healed 
also  the  hurt  of  the  daughter  of  my  people  slightly,  saying, 
Peace,  peace  ;  when  there  is  no  peace.-  Therefore  thus  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts  concerning  the  prophets  ;  Behold,  I  will  feed 
them  with  wormwood,  and  make  them  drink  the  water  of  gall : 
for  from  the  prophets  of  Jerusalem  is  profaneness  gone  forth 
into  all  the  land.  Thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  Hearken  not 
unto  the  words  of  the  prophets  that  prophesy  unto  you :  they 
make  you  vain  :  they  speak  a  vision  of  their  own  heart,  and 
not  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  Lord.  They  say  still  unto  them 
that  despise  me,  The  Lord  hath  said,  Ye  shall  have  peace  ;  and 
they  say  unto  every  one  that  walketh  after  the  imagination  of 
his  own  heart,  No  evil  shall  come  upon  you.  I  have  heard 
what  the  prophets  said,  that  prophesy  lies  in  my  name,  saying, 
I  have  dreamed,  I  have  dreamed.  How  long  shall  this  be  in 
the  heart  of  the  prophets  that  prophesy  lies  ?  yea,  they  are 
prophets  of  the  deceit  of  their  own  heart ;  Which  think  to  cause 
my  people  to  forget  my  name  by  their  dreams  which  they  tell 
every  man  to  his  neighbour,  as  their  fathers  have  forgetten  my 
name  for  Baal.-  For  such  are  false  apostles,  deceitful  workers, 
transforming  themselves  into  the  apostles  of  Christ.  Jer.  6.  13, 
14.  and  23.  15—17,  25—27.  2  Cor.  11.  13.  ||  Ez.  13.  10—16, 
22,  23.  and  34.  4.  Rom.  16.  17,  18.  2  Pet.  2.  1—3. 

Should  it  not  be  decisive  against  any  professed  teacher  of  re- 
ligion, if  his  instructions  tend  to  comfort  the  sinner  in  love  with 
his  sins  ?  Ought  you  not  fervently  to  pray  that  God  would  by 
his  grace  rescue  false  teachers  and  their  followers  from  the  ruin 
before  them. 

155.  To  what  test  should  we  bring  professed  teachers  of  re- 
ligion, articles  of  faith,  and  rules  of  practice  ? 

To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony :  if  they  speak  not  accord- 
ing to  this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them.-  For  I 
testify  unto  every  man  that  heareth  the  words  of  the  prophecy 
of  this  book,  If  any  man  shall  add  unto  these  things,  God  shall 
add  unto  him  the  plagues  that  are  written  in  this  book :  And  if 
any  man  shall  take  away  from  the  words  of  the  book  of  this 
prophecy,  God  shall  take  away  his  part  out  of  the  book  of  life, 
and  out  of  the  holy  city,  and  from  the  things  which  are  written 
in  this  book.  Is.  8.  20.  Rev.  22. 18,  19.  ||  Jude  3,  4.  Mat.  24. 
11.  1  Cor.  11.  19.  1  John  4.  1—6. 

Since  the  Scriptures  are  the  only  infallible  test  wHh  what 


80 

eagerness  should  the  young  store   their  minds  with  inspired 
truth  ?  Can  you  be  too  much  engaged  in  this  business  ? 

156.    TVJiat  are  some  important  duties  toward  ministers  ? 

For  the  priest's  lips  should  keep  knowledge,  and  they  should 
seek  the  law  at  his  mouth :  for  he  is  the  messenger  of  the  Lord 
of  hosts.-  And  we  beseech  you,  brethren,  to  know  them  which 
labour  among  you,  and  are  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  admonish 
you  ;  And  to  esteem  them  very  highly  in  love  for  their  work's 
sake.  And  be  at  peace  among  yourselves.-  Let  him  that  is 
taught  in  the  word,  communicate  unto  him  that  teacheth  in  all 
good  things.—  Do  ye  not  know  that  they  which  minister  about 
holy  things  live  of  the  things  of  the  temple,  and  they  which 
wait  at  the  altar  are  partakers  with  the  altar  ?  Even  so  hath 
the  Lord  ordained  that  they  which  preach  the  gospel  should 
live  of  the  gospel.-  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you, 
and  submit  yourselves :  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they 
that  must  give  account,  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy,  and  not 
with  grief :  for  that  is  unprofitable  for  you.  Mai.  2.  7.  1  Thes. 
5.  12,  13.  GaL  6.  6.  1  Cor.  9.  13,  14.  Heb.  13.  17.  ||  and  13. 
7.  DeuL  17.  9—11. 1  Cor.  16. 16.  Phil.  2.  29,  30.  Mai.  3.  8—10. 

Have  you  rendered  that  love,  support  and  obedience  to  your 
spiritual  guide  which  the  Gospel  enjoins  ?  Has  it  been  because 
he  was  an  ambassador  of  Christ  ? 

157-  Are  we  required  to  pray  for  ministers  of  the  Gospel? 

Pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  that  he  will  send 
forth  labourers  into  his  harvest.-  Now  1  beseech  you,  brethren, 
for  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  and  for  the  love  of  the  Spirit, 
that  ye  strive  together  with  me  in  your  prayers  to  God  for  me.- 
And  for  me,  that  utterance  may  be  given  unto  me,  that  I  may 
open  my  mouth  boldly,  to  make  known  the  mystery  of  the  gos- 
pel.- Finally,  brethreu,  pray  for  us,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord 
may  have  free  course,  and  be  glorified,  even  as  it  is  with  you  ; 
And  that  we  may  be  delivered  from  unreasonable  and  wicked 
men :  for  all  men  have  not  faith.  Mat.  9.  38.  Rom.  15.  30. 
Eph.  6.  19.  2Thes,  3.  1,  2.  ||  2  Cor.  1.  10, 11.  Phil.  1.  19.  Acts 
12.  5—7.  1  Thes.  5.  25.  Heb.  13.  18,  19. 

In  closet,  in  family,  and  in  public  worship  have  your  hearts 
been  often  lifted  to  God  in  prayer  for  those  who  watch  for  your 
souls  ?  Would  not  fervent  prayer  for  ministers  bring  blessings  on 
their  ministry  to  those  who  ofler  them  ? 

158.  Are  consequences  of  infinite  importance  to  immortal  souls 
connected  with  a  preached  Gospel  ? 

For  whosoever  shall  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord  shall  be 
saved      How  then  shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom  they  have 


81 

not  believed  ?  and  how  shall  they  believe  in  him  of  whom  they 
have  not  heard  ?  and  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher  ? 
And  how  shall  they  preach,  except  they  be  sent  ?  as  it  is  writ- 
ten, How  beautiful  are  the  feet  of  them  that  preach  the  gospel 
of  peace,  and  bring  glad  tidings  of  good  things.-  For  the 
preaching  of  the  cross  is  to  them  that  perish,  foolishness  ;  but 
unto  us  which  are  saved,  it  is  the  power  of  God.  For  it  is 
written,  I  will  destroy  the  wisdom  of  the  wise,  and  will  bring  to 
.othing  the  understanding  of  the  prudent.  Where  is  the  wise  ? 
where  is  the  scribe  ?  where  is  the  disputer  of  this  world  ?  hath 
not  God  made  foolish  the  wisdom  of  this  world  ?  For  after  that 
in  the  wisdom  of  God  the  world  by  wisdom  knew  not  God,  it 
pleased  God  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching  to  save  them  that 
believe.  For  the  Jews  require  a  sign,  and  the  Greeks  seek 
after  wisdom  :  But  we  preach  Christ  crucified,  unto  the  Jews  a 
stumbling-block,  and  unto  the  Greeks  foolishness ;  But  unto 
them  which  are  called,  both  Jews  and  Greeks,  Christ  the  power 
of  God,  and  the  wisdom  of  God.  Because  the  foolishness  of 
God  is  wiser  than  men  ;  and  the  weakness  of  God  is  stronger 
than  men.  Rom.  10.  13—15.  1  Cor.  1.  18—25.  ||  1  Thes.  1.  5. 
2  Cor.  2.  15,  16.  and  5.  20.  Eph.  4.  11—13. 

Ought  you  not  ever  to  feel  that  the  preached  Gospel  is  to 
you  either  the  savour  of  life  unto  life,  or  of  death  unto  death ? 
Would  not  this  awaken  the  deepest  interest  ? 

159.  What  are  the  consequences  of  contemning,  or  even 
neglecting  the  instructions  of  faithful  ministers  ? 

But  they  refused  to  hearken,  and  pulled  away  the  shoulder, 
and  stopped  their  ears,  that  they  should  not  hear.  Yea,  they 
made  their  hearts  as  an  adamant  stone,  lest  they  should  hear 
the  law,  and  the  words  which  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  sent  in 
his  Spirit  by  the  former  prophets  ;  therefore  came  a  great  wrath 
from  the  Lord  of  hosts.  Therefore  *it  is  'come  to  pass,  that  as 
he  cried,  and  they  would  not  hear  ;  so  they  cried,  and  I  would 
not  hear,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts.-  And  whosoever  shall  not 
receive  you,  nor  hear  your  words,  when  ye  depart  out  of  that 
house,  or  city,  shake  off  the  dust  of  your  feet.  Verily  I  say  unto 
you,  It  shall  be  more  tolerable  for  the  land  of  Sodom  and  Go- 
morrah in  the  day  of  judgment,  than  for  that  city.  Zech.  7. 
11—13.  Mat.  10.  14,  15.  ||  Deut.  17.  12.  Ez.  33.  30—33. 
2  Chron.  36.  15,  16.  2  Tim.  4.  3,  4. 

Have  you  never  neglected  the  instruction  of  faithful  minis- 
ters ?  Are  you  sufficiently  humbled  before  God  on  this  account  ? 

160.  How  should  the  written  and  dispensed  word  of  God  be 
treated  ? 

Search  the  scriptures  ;  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal 


82 

life  :  And  they  are  they  which  testify  of  me.-  In  whom  ye  also 
trusted,  after  that  ye  heard  the  word  of  truth,  the  gospel  of 
your  salvation  :  in  whom  also  after  that  ye  believed,  ye  were 
sealed  with  that  Holy  Spirit  of  promise.-  As  n<  v.-born  babes, 
desire  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word,  that  ye  may  grow  thereby : 
If  so  be  ye  have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious.-  Wherefore 
lay  apart  all  filthiness,  and  superfluity  of  naughtiness,  and  re- 
ceive with  meekness  the  ingrafted  word,  which  is  able  to  save 
your  souls.  But  be  ye  doers  of  the  word,  and  not  hearers  only, 
deceiving  your  own  selves.  For  if  any  be  a  hearer  of  the  word, 
and  not  a  doer,  he  is  like  unto  a  man  beholding  his  natural  face 
in  a  glass  :  For  he  beholdeth  himself,  and  goeth  his  way,  and 
straightway  forgetteth  what  manner  of  man  he  was.  John  5. 
39.  Eph.  1.  13.  1  Pet.  2.  2,  3.  Jam.  1.  21—24.  ||  1  Cor.  1.  21. 
and  15.  1,  2.  Acts  17.  11,  12.  Heb.  4.  1,  2. 

Have  you  read  and  heard  the  word  of  God  with  diligence, 
interest,  prayerfulness,  and  self-application  ?  Have  you  felt  that 
God  addresses  you  in  his  word  ? 

161.  What  are  the  advantages  of  rightly  attending  to  the  writ- 
ten  or  dispensed  word  ? 

So  they  read  in  the  book  in  the  law  of  God  distinctly,  and 
gave  the  sense,  and  caused  them  to  understand  the  reading.- 
But  if  all  prophesy,  and  there  come  in  one  that  believeth  not, 
or  one  unlearned,  he  is  convinced  of  all,  he  is  judged  of  all : 
And  thus  are  the  secrets  of  his  heart  made  manifest ;  and  so 
falling  down  on  his  face,  he  will  worship  God,  and  report  that 
God  is  in  you  of  a  truth.-  The  statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right, 
rejoicing  the  heart :  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  is  pure, 
enlightening  the  eyes.-  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them 
from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God, 
that  they  may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among 
them  which  are  sanctified*by  faith  that  is  in  me.-  For  whatso- 
ever things  were  written  aforetime,  were  written  for  our  learn- 
ing, that  we  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  scriptures 
mi^ht  have  hope.  Neh.  8.  8.  1  Cor.  14.  24,  25.  Ps.  19.  8. 
Ac°ts  26.  18.  Rom.  15.  4.  ||  and  10.  13—17.  2  Tim.  3.  15—17. 

Have  you  found  the  word  of  God  enlightening,  purifying,  and 
comforting  to  your  hearts  ?  Have  you  derived  from  it  all  the 
spiritual  blessings  which  you  might  have  done  ? 

162.  Are  we  required  to  love  all  mankind  ? 

A  new  commandment  I  give  unto  you,  That  ye  love  one 
another  ;  as  I  have  loved  you,  that  ye  also  love  one  another. 
By«vhis  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have 
love  one  to  another.-  Thou  shalt  not  hate  thy  brother  in  thine 
heart :  thou  shalt  in  any  wise  rebuke  thy  neighbour,  and  not 


83 

suffer  sin  upon  him.  Thou  shalt  not  avenge,  nor  bear  any 
grudge  against  the  children  of  thy  people,  but  thou  shalt  love 
thy  neighbour  as  thyself:  I  am  the  Lord.  And  if  a  stranger 
sojourn  with  thee  in  your  land,  ye  shall  not  vex  him.  But  the 
stranger  thafcdwelleth  with  you  shall  be  unto  you  as  one  born 
among  you,  and  thou  shalt  love  him  as  thyself;  for  ye  were 
strangers  in  the  land  of  Egypt :  I  am  the  Lord  your  God.  John 
13.  34,  35.  Lev.  19.  17,  18,  33,  34.  ||  1  John  3.  11,  15,  18. 
Luke  10.  25—37. 

Are  your  hearts  filled  with  benevolent  affections  towards  all 
mankind,  and  with  complacent  love  towards  the  pious  ? 

163.  Does  the  benign  Godlike  spirit  of  Christianity  require 
us  to  exercise  love  and  kindness  towards  our  very  enemies  ? 

Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  been  said,  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbour,  and  hate  thine  enemy  :  But  I  say  unto  you,  Love  your 
enemies,,  bless  them  that  curse  you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate 
you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despitefully  use  you,  and  perse- 
cute you ;  That  ye  may  be  the  children  of  your  Father  which 
is  in  heaven:  for  he  maketh  his  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the 
good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the  unjust.-  There- 
fore, if  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him ;  if  he  thirst,  give  him 
drink :  for  in  so  doing  thou  shalt  heap  coals  of  fire  on  his  head. 
Be  not  overcome  of  evil,  but  overcome  evil  with  good.-  Not 
rendering  evil  for  evil,  or  railing  for  railing :  but  contrariwise 
blessing ;  knowing  that  ye  are  thereunto  called,  that  ye 
should  inherit  a  blessing.  Mat.  5.  43—45.  Rom.  12.  20,  21. 
1  Pet.  3.  9.  ||  Luke  6.  35.  Prov.  25.  21,  22.  Ex.  23.  4,  5.  Ps. 
35.  12—14. 

Do  not  these  precepts  respecting  love  to  enemies  provechris- 
tianity  to  be  from  God  ?  Have  you  a  heart  to  obey  these  pre- 
cepts ? 

164.  What  is  the  sentence  of  God^s  law  against  murder  ? 
Whoso  sheddeth  man's  blood,  by  man  shall  his  blood  be  shed  : 

for  in  the  image  of  God  made  he  man.-  Thou  shalt  not  kill,— 
Whoso  killeth  any  person,  the  murderer  shall  be  put  to  death 
by  the  mouth  of  witnesses :  but  one  witness  shall  not  testify 
against  any  person  to  cause  him  to  die.  Moreover,  ye  shall 
take  no  satisfaction  for  the  life  of  a  murderer,  which  is  guilty 
of  death :  but  he  shall  be  surely  put  to  death.  So  ye  shall  not 
pollute  the  land  wherein  ye  are  :  for  blood  it  defileth  the  land  : 
and  the  land  cannot  be  cleansed  of  the  blood  that  is  shed  there- 
in, but  by  the  blood  of  him  that  shed  it.  Gen.  9.  6.  Ex.  20. 
13.  Num.  35.  30,  31,  33.  ||  Deut.  19.  10, 13.  Lev.  24.  17.  1  Kin. 
2.  5,  6,  29—34.  1  John  3.  15.  Rev.  21.  8. 


84 

Are  not  murderers  multiplying  in  this  land  ?  What  doei  God 
esteem  the  shedding  of  human  blood  in  wars  ? 

165.  Are  we  not  warned  against  sinful  anger  as  highly  crimi- 
nal, and  tending  to  murder  ? 

Cease  from  anger,  and  forsake  wrath  :  fret  not  thyself  in  any . 
wise  to  do  evil.-  He  that  is  soon  angry  dealeth  foolishly :  and 
a  man  of  wicked  devices  is  hated.  He  that  hath  no  rule 
over  his  own  spirit  is  like  a  city  that  is  broken  down,  and  with- 
out walls.-  An  angry  man  stirreth  up  strife,  and  a  furious  man 
aboundeth  in  transgression.  Ps.  37.  8.  Prov.  14.  17.  and  25. 
28.  and  29.  22.  ||  and  16.  32.  and  19.  11.  Eccl.  7.  9.  I  Mat.  5. 
22.  Eph.  4.  31.  1  John  3.  15. 

Has  God  never  seen  in  your  heart  what  his  law  in  its  spiritu- 
ality pronounces  murder  ?  How  careful  ought  you  to  be  to  re- 
press sinful  anger  ? 

166.  How  is  manslaughter  defined  and  treated  by  the  law  of 
God? 

And  this  is  the  case  of  the  slayer,  which  shall  flee  thither, 
that  he  may  live :  Whoso  killeth  his  neighbour  ignorantly, 
whom  he  hated  not  in  time  past ;  As  when  a  man  goeth  into 
the  wood  with  his  neighbour  to  hew  wood,  and  his  hand  fetch- 
eth  a  stroke  with  the  axe  to  cut  down  the  tree,  and  the  head 
slippeth  from  the  helve,  and  lighteth  upon  his  neighbour,  that 
he  die  ;  he  shall  flee  unto  one  of  these  cities,  and  live.-  But  if 
he  thrust  him  suddenly  without  enmity,  or  have  cast  upon  him 
any  thing  without  laying  of  wait,  Or  with  any  stone,  where- 
with a  man  may  die,  seeing  him  not,  and  cast  it  upon  him, 
that  he  die,  and  was  not  his  enemy,  neither  sought  his  harm  : 
Then  the  congregation  shall  judge  between  the  slayer  and  the 
revenger  of  blood  according  to  these  judgments  :  And  the  con- 
gregation shall  deliver  the  slayer  out  of  the  hand  of  the  reven- 
ger of  blood,  and  the  congregation  shall  restore  him  to  the 
city  of  his  refuge,  whither  he  was  fled  :  and  he  shall  abide  in  it 
unto  the  death  of  the  high  priest,  which  was  anointed  with  the 
holy  oil.  Deut.  19.  4,  5.  Num.  35.  22—25.  ||  Ex.  21.  13. 
Josh.  20.  3,  5. 

Is  not  this  something  different  from  what  human  laws  call 
manslaughter  ?  How  careful  ought  men  to  be  of  the  lives  of 
others  ? 

167.  "  Who  hath  wo  ?  who  hath  sorrow  ?  who  hath  conten- 
tions ?  who  hath  babbling?  who  hath  wounds  without  cause? 
who  hath  redness  of  eyes  .?"  (x) 

They  that  tarry  long  at  the  wine ;  they  that  go  to  seek  mixed 
(x)  See  Appendix,  Note  X. 


85 

wine.  Look  not  thou  upon  the  wine  when  it  is  red,  when 
it  giveth  his  colour  in  the  cup,  when  it  moveth  itself  aright. 
At  the  last  it  biteth  like  a  serpent,  and  stingeth  like  an  adder.- 
Wo  unto  them  that  are  mighty  to  drink  wine,  and  men  of 
strength  to  mingle  strong  drink.  Wo  unto  them  that  rise  up 
early  in  the  morning,  that  they  may  follow  strong  drink ;  that 
continue  until  night,  till  wine  inflame  them !  Therefore  hell 
hath  enlarged  herself,  and  opened  her  mouth  without  mea- 
sure :  and  their  glory,  and  their  multitude,  and  their  pomp, 
and  he  that  rejoiceth,  shall  descend  into  it.-  The  Lord  will 
not  spare  him,  but  then  the  anger  of  the  Lord  and  his  jealousy 
shall  smoke  against  that  man,  and  all  the  curses  that  are  writ- 
ten in  this  book  shall  lie  upon  him,  and  the  Lord  shall  blot  out 
his  name  from  under  heaven.  Prov.  23.  30 — 32.  Is.  5.  22,  11, 
14.  Deut.  29.  20.  ||Is.  56.  12.  2  Pet.  2.  12,  13.  Prov.  23.  19—21. 
Luke  21.  34.  (y) 

Does  not  intemperance  insensibly  steal  upon  the  most  of 
drunkards  ?  Can  you  be  too  watchful  against  the  least  ap- 
proach towards  this  pernicious  but  prevalent  evil  ? 

168.  Is  not  every  species  of  dishonesty  as  well  as  theft  for- 
bidden ? 

Ye  shall  not  steal,  neither  deal  falsely,  neither  lie  one  to 
another.  Ye  shall  do  no  unrighteousness  in  judgment,  in 
mete-yard,  in  weight,  or  in  measure.  Just  balances,  just 
weights,  a  just  ephah,  and  a  just  hin  shall  he  have  :  I  am  the 
Lord  your  God,  which  brought  you  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 
Therefore  shall  ye  observe  all  my  statutes,  and  all  my  judg- 
ments, and  do  them :  I  am  the  Lord.-  Let  him  that  stole, 
steal  no  more :  but  rather  let  him  labour,  working  with  his 
hands  the  thing  which  is  good,  that  he  may  have  to  give  to  him 
that  needeth.-  For  ye  know  what  commandments  we  gave 
you  by  the  Lord  Jesus.  That  no  man  go  beyond  and  defraud 
his  brother  in  any  matter :  because  that  the  Lord  is  the  aven- 
ger of  all  such,  as  we  also  have  forewarned  you  and  testified.- 
Nor  thieves,  nor  covetous,  nor  drunkards,  nor  revilers,  nor  ex- 
tortioners, shall  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God.  Lev.  19.  11,  35 
—37.  Eph.  4.  28.  1  Thes.  4.  2,  6.  1  Cor.  6.  10.  ||  Deut.  25. 
13—16.  Job  20.  19,  22.  Amos  8.  4—7. 

Are  there  not  multitudes  who  allow  themselves  in  fraud  and 
cheating,  who  would  be  ashamed  to  steal  ?  Will  not  you  resolve 
to  have  perfect  integrity  regulate  all  your  dealings  with  men  ? 

169.  J*  not  lying  forbidden  and  abhorred  of  God,  and  detested 
<of  good  men  ? 

These  are  the  things  that  ye  shall  do  ;  Speak  ye  every  man 

(y)  See  Appendix,  Note  Y. 
H 


.   86 

the  truth  to  his  neighbour  ;  execute  the  judgment  of  truth  and 
peace  in  your  gates  :  And  let  none  of  you  imagine  evil  in  your 
hearts  against  his  neighbour  ;  and  love  no  false  oath  :  for  all 
these  are  things  that  I  hate,  saith  the  Lord.-  Keep  thy  tongue 
from  evil,  and  thy  lips  from  speaking  guile.-  But  speaking  the 
truth  in  love,  may  grow  up  into  him  in  all  things,  which  is 
the  head,  even  Christ.  Wherefore  putting  away  lying,  speak 
every  man  truth  with  his  neighbour :  for  we  are  members  one  of 
another.-  The  lip  of  truth  shall  be  established  for  ever :  but  a 
lying  tongue  is  but  for  a  moment.  Lying  lips  are  abomination 
to  the  Lord :  but  they  that  deal  truly  are  his  delight.-  A  right- 
eous man  hateth  lying :  but  a  wicked  man  is  loathsome,  and 
cometh  to  shame.  Zech.  8.  16,  17.  Ps.  34.  13.  Eph.  4.  15,  25. 
Prov.  12.  19,  22.  and  13.  5.  ||  Jer.  9.  2—9.  Mic.  6.  12,  13.  Rev. 
21.8. 

Have  you  not  much  occasion  to  repent  of  falsehood  ?  Ought 
you  not  to  pray  much  that  you  may  be  kept  from  every  ap- 
proach towards  it  ? 

170.  What  are  the  consequences  of  flattery,  tale-bearing,  and 
slander  ? 

A  man  that  flattereth  his  neighbour  spreadeth  a  net  for  his 
feet.-  He  that  goeth  about  as  a  tale-bearer  revealeth  secrets : 
therefore  meddle  not  with  him  that  flattereth  with  his  lips.- 
Thou  shalt  not  go  up  and  down  as  a  tale-bearer  among  thy  peo- 
ple ;  neither  shalt  thou  stand  against  the  blood  of  thy  neigh- 
bour ;  I  am  the  Lord.-  He  that  covereth  a  transgression  seek- 
eth  love  ;  but  he  that  repeateth  a  matter  separateth  very 
friends.-  The  words  of  a  tale-bearer  are  as  wounds,  and  they 
go  down  into  the  innermost  parts  of  the  belly.-  Where  no  wood 
is,  there  the  fire  goeth  out :  so  where  there  is  no  tale-bearer, 
the  strife  ceaseth.-  Whoso  privily  slandereth  his  neighbour,  him 
will  I  cut  off:  him  that  hath  a  high  look  and  a  proud  heart 
will  not  I  suffer.  Prov.  29.  5.  and  20.  19.  Lev.  19.  16.  Prov. 
17.  9.  and  18.  8.  and  26.  20.  Ps.  101.  5.  ||  and  12.  2,  3.  Prov. 
11.  13.  and  10.  18. 

How  lamentably  prevalent  are  the  sins  of  the  tongue  ?  Are 
you  entirely  free  from  their  guilt  ? 

171.  Is  every  kind  of  unprofitable  conversation  forbidden  ? 

Be  not  deceived :  Evil  communications  corrupt  good  man- 
ners.- Let  no  corrupt  communication  proceed  out  of  your 
mouth,  but  that  which  is  good  to  the  use  of  edifying,  that  it 
may  minister  grace  unto  the  hearers.-  Neither  filthiness,  nor 
foolish  talking,  nor  jesting,  which  are  not  convenient  :  but 
rather  giving  of  thanks.  Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain 
words:  for  because  of  these  things  cometh  the  wrath  of  God 


87 

upon  the  children  of  disobedience.-  But  I  say  unto  you,  That 
every  idle  word  that  men  shall  speak,  they  shall  give  account 
thereof  in  the  day  of  judgment.  For  by  thy  words  thou  shalt 
be  justified,  and  by  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  condemned.  1  Cor. 
15.  33.  Eph.  4. 29.  and  5. 4, 6.  Mat.  12.  36,  37.  ||  Col.  3.  8.  and  4. 
6.  2  Tim.  2.  14,  16.  Jam.  1.  26.  Prov.  21.  23. 

How  much  vain  conversation  stands  chargeable  even  upon 
christians  ?  Do  you  mourn  over  it  ? 

172.  Are  there  woes  denounced  against  the  covetous  ? 

Wo  to  them  that  devise  iniquity,  and  work  evil  upon  their 
beds  !  when  the  morning  is  light,  they  practise  it,  because  it  is 
in  the  power  of  their  hand.  And  they  covet  fields,  and  take 
them  by  violence  ;  and  houses,  and  take  them  away  :  so  they 
oppress  a  man  and  his  house,  even  a  man  and  his  heritage .- 
Wo  to  him  that  coveteth  an  evil  covetousness  to  his  house, 
that  he  may  set  his  nesf  on  high,  that  he  may  be  delivered 
from  the  power  of  evil.-  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's 
house,  thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's  wife,  nor  his  man- 
servant, nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  any 
thing  that  is  thy  neighbour's.-  For  the  iniquity  of  his  covetous- 
ness was  I  wroth,  and  smote  him :  I  hid  me,  and  was  wroth, 
and  he  went  on  frowardly  in  the  way  of  his  heart.-  For  this  ye 
know,  that  no  whoremonger,  nor  unclean  person,  nor  covetous 
man,  who  is  an  idolater,  hath  any  inheritance  in  the  kingdom 
of  Christ  and  of  God.  Mic.  2.  1,  2.  Hab.  2.  9.  Ex.  20.  17.  Is. 
57.  17.  Eph.  5.  5.  ||  Jer.  6.  12,  13.  Ps.  10.  3.  1  Cor.  5.  11.  and 
6.  10. 

Ought  you  not  to  search  your  hearts  prayerfully,  that  you 
may  detect  and  eradicate  every  vestige  of  this  Achan  within  ? 
What  but  this  sin  prevents  more  abundant  labours  for  the 
spread  of  the  Gospel  ? 

173.  Is  the  love  of  this  world,  of  its  riches,  honours,  and  plea- 
sures, both  criminal  and  dangerous  ? 

Love  not  the  world,  neither  the  things  that  are  in  the  world. 
If  any  man  love  the  world,  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not  in  him. 
For  all  that  is  in  the  world,  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  and  the  lust  of 
the  eyes,  and  the  pride  of  life,  is  not  of  the  Father,  but  is  of  the 
world.-  And  Jesus  looked  round  about,  and  saith  unto  his  dis- 
ciples, How  hardly  shall  they  that  have  riches  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  God  !  And  the  disciples  were  astonished  at  his 
words.  But  Jesus  answereth  again,  and  saith  unto  them, 
Children,  how  hard  is  it  for  them  that  trust  in  riches  to  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  God  !  It  is  easier  for  a  camel  to  go  through 
the  eye  of  a  needle,  than  for  a  rich  man  to  enter  into  the  king- 


8y 

dom  of  God.-  But  they  that  will  be  rich,  fall  into  temptation, 
and  a  snare,  and  into  many  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which 
drown  men  in  destruction  and  perdition.  For  the  love  of  money 
is  the  root  of  all  evil :  which  while  some  coveted  after,  they 
have  erred  from  the  faith,  and  pierced  themselves  through  with 
many  sorrows.-  Mortify  therefore  your  members  which,  are 
upon  the  earth  ;  fornication,  uncleanness,  inordinate  affection, 
evil  concupiscence,  and  covetousness,  which  is  idolatry.  Set 
your  affection  on  things  above,  not  on  things  on  the  earth.  1  John 
2.  15,  16.  Mark  10.  23—25.  1  Tim.  6.  9, 10.  Col.  3.  5,  2.  ||  Rom. 
12. 1—3.   1  Tim.  6.  17—19. 

How  can  you  love  the  world  so  much  when  Christ  loved  it 
so  little  ?  Will  you  not  pray  for  the  spirit  of  Christ  ? 

174.  <As  increasing  wealth  tends  to  take  off  the  heart  and 
thoughts  from  God  and  Eternal  Things,  are  we  not  warned 
against  "  the  cares  of  this  world,  and  the  deceilfulness  of  riches  .?" 

When  thou  hast  eaten  and  art  full,  then  thou  shalt  bless  the 
Lord  thy  God  for  the  good  land  which  he  hath  given  thee. 
Beware  that  thou  forget  not  the  Lord  thy  God,  in  not  keeping 
his  commandments,  and  his  judgments,  and  his  statutes,  which 
I  command  thee  this  day:  Lest  when  thou  hast  eaten,  and  art 
full,  and  has  built  goodly  houses,  and  dwelt  therein  ;  And 
when  thy  herds  and  thy  flocks  multiply,  and  thy  silver  and  thy 
gold  is  multiplied,  and  all  that  thou  hast  is  multiplied  ;  And 
thou  say  in  thine  heart,  My  power  and  the  might  of  my  hand 
hath  gotten  me  this  wealth.  But  thou  shalt  remember  the 
Lord  thy  God :  for  it  is  he  that  giveth  thee  power  to  get  wealth, 
that  he  may  establish  his  covenant  which  he  sware  unto  thy 
fathers,  as  it  is  this  day.-  Trust  not  in  oppression,  and  become 
not  vain  in  robbery:  if  riches  increase,  set  not  your  heart  upon 
them.-  Wilt  thou  set  thine  eyes  upon  that  which  is  not  ?  for 
riches  certainly  make  themselves  wings  ;  they  fly  away  as  an 
eagle  toward  heaven.  Deut.  8.  10—13,  17,  10.  Ps.  62.  10. 
Prov.  23.  5.  ||  and  30.  8,  9.  Luke  8.  14.  Deut.  32.  9,  13—15. 
Jer.  9.  23,  24.  Mat.  19.  21,  26. 

Are  you  saying  from  day  to  day  u  who  will  show  me  any 
worldly  good  ?"  Have  you  watched  and  prayed  not  only 
against  supreme  love  for  this  world,  but  against  inordinate  love 
of  it? 

175.  What  is  the  portion  of  rich  ungodly  men  ? 

This  is  the  portion  of  a  wicked  man  with  God,  and  the  heri- 
tage of  oppressors,  which  they  shall  receive  of  the  Almighty. 
Though  he  heap  up  silver  as  the  dust,  and  prepare  raiment  as 
the  clay ;  He  may  prepare  it,  but  the  just  shall  put  it  on,  and 


89 

the  innocent  shall  divide  the  silver.  The  rich  man  shall  lie 
down,  but  he  shall  not  be  gathered :  he  openeth  his  eyes,  and 
he  is  not.  For  God  shall  cast  upon  him,  and  not  spare :  he 
would  fain  flee  out  of  his  hand.  Men  shall  clap  their  hands  at 
him,  and  shall  hiss  him  out  of  his  place.-  Arise,  O  Lord,  disap- 
point him,  cast  him  down :  deliver  my  soul  from  the  wicked, 
which  is  thy  sword :  From  men  which  are  thy  hand,  O  Lord 
from  men  of  the  world,  which  have  their  portion  in  this  life,  and 
whose  belly  thou  fillest  with  thy  hid  treasure  :  they  are  full  of 
children,  and  leave  the  rest  of  their  substance  to  their  babes. 
Job  27.  13,  16,  17,  19,  22,  23.  Ps.  17.  13,  14.  ||  Jam.  5.  1—5. 
Ps.  73.  3—7,  12,  18,  19.  Luke  12,  16—21. 

Are  you  willing  to  have  your  portion  in  this  life  ?  Be  persua- 
ded then  not  to  set  your  affections  on  things  seen  and  temporal  ? 

176.  Since  the  fashion  of  this  world  is  passing  away,  is  it  not 
our  duty  and  our  wisdom  to  make  spiritual  riches,  or  the  inter- 
ests of  the  soul,  the  principal  objects  of  our  desires  and  our  pur- 
suits ? 

If  ye  then  be  risen  with  Christ,  seek  those  things  which  are 
above,  where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God.  Set 
your  affection  on  things  above,  not  on  things  on  the  earth.- 
Be  careful  for  nothing;  but  in  every  thing  by  prayer  and 
supplication  with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made 
known  unto  God.  And  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth 
all  understanding,  shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through 
Christ  Jesus.-  Lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  upon  earth, 
where  moth  and  rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  break 
through  and  steal :  But  lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in  heaven, 
where  neither  moth  nor  rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do 
not  break  through  nor  steal.  For  where  your  treasure  is,  there 
will  your  heart  be  also.  But  seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God, 
and  his  righteousness,  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added  unto 
you.  Take  therefore  no  thought  for  the  morrow :  for  the 
morrow  shall  take  thought  for  the  things  of  itself.  Sufficient 
unto  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof.  Col.  3.  1,  2.  Phil.  4.  6,  7. 
Mat.  6.  19—21,33,  34.  ||  Prov.  15.  16.  Jer.  45.  5.  John  6.  27. 
i  Pet.  5.  7.  Luke  10.  41,  42. 

Are  your  affections  daily  soaring  to  heavenly  things  ?  Do  you 
£nd  substantial  happiness  in  any  earthly  object  or  pursuit? 
When  will  you  cease  to  pursue  shadows  which  flee  at  your  ap- 
proach, or  vanish  when  you  attempt  to  grasp  them  ? 

177.  What  directions  and  promises  respect  diligence  and  in- 
dustry in  the  lawful  concerns  of  life  ? 

For  even  when  we  were  with  you,  this  we  commanded  you, 
H2 


90 

that  if  any  would  not  work,  neither  should  he  eat.  For  we 
hear  that  there  are  some  which  walk  among  you  disorderly, 
working  not  at  all,  but  are  busybodies.  JNow  them  that  are 
such  we  command  and  exhort  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that 
with  quietness  they  work,  and  eat  their  own  bread.-  And  that 
ye  study  to  be  quiet,  and  to  do  your  own  business,  and  to  work 
with  your  own  hands,  as  we  commanded  you  ;  That  ye  may 
walk  honestly  toward  them  that  are  without,  and  that  ye  may 
have  lack  of  nothing.-  The  sleep  of  a  labouring  man  is  sweet, 
whether  he  eat  little  or  much  :  but  the  abundance  of  the  rich 
will  not  suffer  him  to  sleep.-  Wealth  gotten  by  vanity  shall  be 
diminished :  but  he  that  gathereth  by  labour  shall  increase. 
2  Thes.  3.  10—12.  1  Thes.  4.  11,  12.  Eccl.  5.  12.  Prov.  13.  11. 
||  Gen.  3.  19.  Ex.  20.  9.  Prov.  12.  11,  24,  27.  and  22.  29.  Eph. 
4.28. 

Are  you  diligent  and  economical  from  obedience  to  the  com- 
mands of  God  ?  Does  it  quicken  you  in  these  duties  that  you 
may  do  good  with  your  gains  ? 

178.  What  are  some  of  the  consequences  of  idleness  ? 

The  sluggard  will  not  plough  by  reason  of  the  cold  ;  there- 
fore shall  he  beg  in  harvest,  and  have  nothing.-  The  desire  of 
the  slothful  killeth  him  ;  for  his  hands  refuse  to  labour.-  I 
went  by  the  field  of  the  slothful,  and  by  the  vineyard  of  the 
man  void  of  understanding ;  And  lo,  it  was  all  grown  over  with 
thorns,  and  nettles  had  covered  the  face  thereof,  and  the  stone 
wall  thereof  was  broken  down.  Then  I  saw,  and  considered  it 
well :  I  looked  upon  it,  and  received  instruction.  Yet  a  little 
sleep,  a  little  slumber,  a  little  folding  of  the  hands  to  sleep  :  So 
shall  thy  poverty  come  as  one  that  travelleth  ;  and  thy  want 
as  an  armed  man.  Prov.  20.  4.  and  21.  25.  and  24.  30 — 34. 
||  Ez.  16.  49.  Prov.  22.  13.  and  18.  9.  Eccl.  10.  18.  Prov.  6. 
6—11. 

If  idleness  is  so  shameful  and  ruinous  in  temporal  concerns, 
how  much  more  pernicious  in  spiritual  concerns  ?  Have  you 
renounced  sinful  ease  and  indolence  ? 

179.  What  is  the  conduct,  language,  and  condemnation  of  the 
proud  ? 

The  wicked,  through  the  pride  of  his  countenance,  will  not 
seek  after  God  :  God  is  not  in  all  his  thoughts.-  Therefore 
pride  compasseth  them  about  as  a  chain  ;  violence  covereth 
them  as  a  garment.  They  set  their  mouth  against  the  heavens, 
and  their  tongue  walketh  through  the  earth.  And  they  say, 
How  doth  God  know  ?  and  is  their  knowledge  in  the  Most 
High  ?-  And  love  the  uppermost  rooms  at  feasts,  and  the  chief 
seat«  *n  the  synagogues,  And  greetings  in  the  markets,  and  to 


91 

be  called  of  men,  Rabbi,  Rabbi.-  For  they,  being  ignorant  of 
God's  righteousness,  and  going  about  to  establish  their  own 
righteousness,  have  not  submitted  themselves  unto  the  righte- 
ousness of  God.-  Every  one  that  is  proud  in  heart  is  an  abomi- 
nation to  the  Lord :  though  hand  join  in  hand  he  shall  not  be 
unpunished.-  The  lofty  looks  of  man  shall  be  humbled,  and  the 
haughtiness  of  men  shall  be  bowed  down,  and  the  Lord  alone 
shall  be  exalted  in  that  day.  For  the  day  of  the  Lord  of  hosts 
shall  be  upon  every  one  that  is  proud  and  lofty,  and  upon  every 
one  that  is  lifted  up  ;  and  he  shall  be  brought  low.  Ps.  10.  4. 
and  73.  6,  9,  11.  Mat.  23.  6,  7.  Rom.  10.  3.  Prov.  16.  5.  Is.  2. 
11,  12.  ||  1  Sam.  2.  3.  Prov.  11.  2.  and  16.  18, 19.  and  21.  4. 
and  29.  23.  Jer.  13,  15,  16.  Luke  14.  11. 

Of  what  have  you  to  be  proud  but  ignorance,  pollution,  and 
weakness  ?  Dare  you  longer  cherish  pride  ? 

180.  •Are  not  mankind  prone  to  be  unmindful  of  their  crea- 
tor who  is  ever  mindful  of  his  creatures  for  good  ? 

Be  astonished,  O  ye  heavens,  at  this,  and  be  horribly  afraid, 
be  ye  very  desolate,  saith  the  Lord.  For  my  people  have  com- 
mitted two  evils  ;  they  have  forsaken  me  the  fountain  of  living 
waters,  and  hewed  them  out  cisterns,  broken  cisterns,  that  can 
hold  no  water.  Can  a  maid  forget  her  ornaments,  or  a  bride 
her  attire  ?  yet  my  people  have  forgotten  me  days  without 
number.-  A  voice  was  heard  upon  the  high  places,  weeping 
and  supplications  of  the  children  of  Israel :  for  they  have  per- 
verted their  way,  and  they  have  forgotten  the  Lord  their  God.- 
The  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  nations  that 
forget  God.-  Now  consider  this,  ye  that  forget  God,  lest  I 
tear  you  in  pieces,  and  there  be  none  to  deliver.  Jer.  2.  12, 
*3,  32.  and  3.  21.  Ps.  9.  17.  and  50.  22.  ||  Is.  1.  2,  3.  Ps.  44.  20, 
21.  Deut.  8. 11,  19.  Hos.  13.  6. 

Had  God  been  as  unmindful  of  you  as  you  have  of  him, 
what  would  have  become  of  you  ?  How  base,  how  criminal, 
how  dangerous,  is  forgetfulness  of  God  ? 

181.   What  is  the  sum  of  marts  duty  ? 

Jesus  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God 
with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment.  And  the 
second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself. 
On  these  two  commandments  hang  all  the  law  and  the  pro- 
phets.- Therefore  all  things  whatsoever  ye  would  that  men 
should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them :  for  this  is  the  law  and 
the  prophets.-  Let  us  hear  the  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter  : 
Fear  God,  and  keep  his  commandments  :  for  this  is  the 
whole  duty  of  man.    For  God  shall  bring  every  work  into 


92 

judgment,  with  every  secret  thing,  whether  it  be  good,  or 
whether  it  be  evil.  Mat.  22.  37 — 40.  and  7.  12.  Eccl.  12. 
13,   14. 

Have  you  reverenced,  loved,  and  served  God  ?  Are  you  now 
desirous  of  doing  your  whole  duty  ? 

182.  Who  prepares  the  heart  to  love  and  serve  God  ? 

O  Lord,  I  know  that  the  way  of  man  is  not  in  himself :  it  is 
not  in  man  that  walketh  to  direct  his  steps.-  The  preparations 
of  the  heart  in  man,  and  the  answer  of  the  tongue,  is  from  the 
Lord.-  Lord,  thou  hast  heard  the  desire  of  the  humble :  thou 
wilt  prepare  their  heart,  thou  wilt  cause  thine  ear  to  hear.- 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  ;  I  will  yet  for  this  be  inquired  of  by 
the  house  of  Israel,  to  do  it  for  them  ;  I  will  increase  them  with 
men  like  a  flock.  A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new 
spirit  will  I  put  within  you  :  and  I  will  take  away  the  stony 
heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and  I  will  give  you  a  heart  of  flesh. 
And  I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you,  and  cause  you  to  walk  in 
my  statutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my  judgments,  and  do  them. 
Jer.  10.  23.  Prov.  16.  1.  Ps.  10.  17.  Ez.  36.  37,  26,  27.  ||  Ps. 
119.  32,  65,  33.  Jer.  32.  39,  40.  Phil.  2.  13.  Jam.  1.  16—18. 
Ezra  7.  27.  2  Cor.  8.  16.  Neh.  2.  12. 

Do  you  feel  your  entire  dependance  on  God  for  every  thing 
morally  good  ?  Dare  you  use  this  as  an  excuse  for  continuance 
in  sin  ?  Would  it  answer  to  be  plead  at  the  bar  of  God  ? 

183.  Do  the  prayers  of  God^s  people  acknowledge  their  entire 
dependance  on  him  ? 

The  Lord  our  God  be  with  us,  as  he  was  with  our  fathers  :  let 
him  not  leave  us,  nor  forsake  us  :  That  he  may  incline  our  hearts 
unto  him,  to  walk  in  all  his  ways,  and  to  keep  his  command- 
ments, and  his  statutes,  and  his  judgments,  which  he  command- 
ed our  fathers.-  I  have  surely  heard  Ephraim  bemoaning  him- 
self thus ;  Thou  hast  chastised  me,  and  I  was  chastised,  as  a 
bullock  unaccustomed  to  the  yoke :  turn  thou  me,  and  1  shall 
be  turned  ;  for  thou  art  the  Lord  my  God.-  Create  in  me  a 
clean  heart,  O  God  ;  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me.  1 
Kings  8.  57,  58.  Jer.  31.  18.  Ps.  51.  10.  ||  Heb.  13.  20,  21.  2 
Thes.  2.  16,  17. 

Did  you  ever  pray  u  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God  ?" 
Without  feeling  guilty  and  helpless  in  yourselves,  have  you 
ever  prayed  aright  ? 

1 84.  Does  their  language  express  their  dependance  ? 

Not  that  we  are  sufficient  of  ourselves  to  think  any  thing  as 
of  ourselves  ;  but  our  sufficiency  is  of  God.-  I  can  do  all  things 
through  Christ  which  strengtheneth  me.-  But  by  the  grace  of 


93 

God  I  am  what  I  am :  and  his  grace  which  was  bestowed  upon 
me,  was  not  in  vain ;  but  I  laboured  more  abundantly  than 
they  all :  yet  not  I,  but  the  grace  of  God  which  was  with  me. 
2  Cor.  3.  5.  Phil.  4.  13.  1  Cor.  15.  10.  ||  Eph.  6.  10.  2  Tim.  2. 
1.  Is.  26.  12. 

If  you  hope  you  have  any  measure  of  right  views  and  affec- 
tions, who  hath  made  you  to  differ  ?  Did  you  or  did  grace  make 
the  difference  ?  # 

185.  What  Scripture  directions  manifestly  imply  free-agency, 
and  require  activity  in  the  creature  ? 

Submit  yourselves  therefore  to  God.  Resist  the  devil,  and 
he  will  flee  from  you.  Draw  nigh  to  God,  and  he  will  draw 
nigh  to  you.  Cleanse  your  hands,  ye  sinners,  and  purify  your 
hearts,  ye  double-minded.  Be  afflicted,  and  mourn,  and  weep  : 
let  your  laughter  be  turned  to  mourning,  and  your  joy  to  hea- 
viness. Humble  yourselves  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  he 
shall  lift  you  up.-  Wash  you,  make  you  clean :  put  away 
the  evil  of  your  doings  from  before  mine  eyes  ;  cease  to  do 
evil ;  Learn  to  do  well ;  seek  judgment,  relieve  the  oppressed, 
judge  the  fatherless,  plead  for  the  widow.-  Therefore  I  will 
judge  you,  O  house  of  Israel,  every  one  according  to  his  ways, 
saith  the  Lord  God.  Repent,  and  turn  yourselves  from  all 
your  transgressions  ;  so  iniquity  shall  not  be  your  ruin.  Cast 
away  from  you  all  your  transgressions,  whereby  ye  have  trans- 
gressed ;  and  make  you  a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit :  for  why 
will  ye  die,  O  house  of  Israel  ?  For  1  have  no  pleasure  in  the 
death  of  him  that  dieth,  saith  the  Lord  God  :  wherefore  turn 
yourselves,  and  live  ye.-  Ho,  every  one  that  thirsleth,  come  ye 
to  the  waters,  and  he  that  hath  no  money  ;  come  ye,  buy,  and 
eat ;  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without  money  and  with- 
out price.  Wherefore  do  ye  spend  money  for  that  which  is  not 
bread  ?  and  your  labour  for  that  which  satisfieth  not  ?  hearken 
diligently  unto  me,  and  eat  ye  that  which  is  good,  and  let  your 
soul  delight  itself  in  fatness.  Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto 
me  :  hear,  and  your  soul  shall  live  ;  and  I  will  make  an  ever- 
lasting covenant  with  you,  even  the  sure  mercies  of  David. 
Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found,  call  ye  upon  him 
while  he  is  near :  Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the  un- 
righteous man  his  thoughts  :  and  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord, 
and  he  will  have  mercy  upon  him  ;  and  to  our  God,  for  he  will 
abundantly  pardon.  Jam.  4.  7—10.  Is.  1.  16,  17.  Ez.  18.  30 
—32.  Is.  55.  1—3.  6,  7.  ||  Hos.  10.  12.  Observe  the  pur- 
port op  the  Scriptures  throughout. 

Do  you  not  feel  yourselves  to  be  moral  agents  free  as  crea- 
tures can  be  ?  If  unable  to  comprehend  the .  union  of  Divine 


94 

efficiency  and  free-agency,  is  there  not  irresistible  evidence  of 
their  existing  together  ? 

186.  When  it  is  best,  perhaps  the  only  time  to  begin  a  reli- 
gious life? 

Wherefore,  as  the  Holy  Ghost  saith,  To-day  if  ye  will  hear 
his  voice,  Harden  not  your  hearts,  as  in  the  provocation,  in  the 
day  of  temptation  in  the  wilderness.  Take  heed,  brethren, 
lest  there  be  in  any  of  you  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  in  depart- 
ing from  the  living  God.  But  exhort  one  another  daily,  while 
it  is  called  To-day ;  lest  any  of  you  be  hardened  through  the 
deceitfulness  of  sin.-  For  he  saith,  I  have  heard  thee  in  a  time 
accepted,  and  in  the  day  of  salvation  have  I  succoured  thee  : 

BEHOLD,  NOW   IS  THE  ACCEPTED   TIME  ;    BEHOLD,  NOW  IS  THE 

day  of  salvation.-  Serve  the  Lord  with  fear,  and  rejoice 
with  trembling.  Kiss  the  Son,  lest  be  be  angry,  and  ye  perish 
from  the  way,  when  his  wrath  is  kindled  but  a  little.  Blessed 
are  all  they  that  put  their  trust  in  him.  Heb.  3.  7,  8,  12,  13.  2 
Cor.  6.  2.  Ps.  2.  11,  12.  ||  Gen.  6.  3.  Heb.  4.  7.  Jam.  4. 
13—17. 

Can  any  of  you  be  so  unwise,  so  presumptuous,  as  to  defer 
your  souPs  concerns  till  to-morrow  ?  Where  would  you  be 
should  you  not  live  till  to-morrow  ? 

187.  Is  this  life  a  state  of  probation  f 

Be  not  deceived  ;  God  is  not  mocked  :  for  whatsoever  a  man 
soweth,  that  shall  he  also  reap.  For  he  that  soweth  to  his 
flesh,  shall  of  the  flesh  reap  corruption :  but  he  that  soweth  to 
the  Spirit,  shall  of  the  Spirit  reap  life  everlasting.-  Therefore, 
brethren,  we  are  debtors  not  to  the  flesh,  to  live  after  the  flesh. 
For  if  ye  live  after  the  flesh,  ye  shall  die  :  but  if  ye  through  the 
Spirit  do  mortify  the  deeds  of  the  body,  ye  shall  live.-  For  we 
must  all  appear  before  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ ;  that  every 
one  may  receive  the  things  done  in  his  body,  according  to  that 
he  hath  done,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad.  Gal.  6.  7,  8.  Rom. 
8.  12,  13.  2  Cor.  5.  10.  ||  Is.  61.  2.  Hos.  10.  12,  13. 

Are  you  sowing  to  the  flesh  as  to  the  Spirit  ?  Are  you  desi- 
rous of  living  every  day  with  reference  to  a  never  ending 
eternity  ? 

188.  //  is  appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  DIE  ? 

Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  of  few  days,  ani  full  of 
trouble.-  For  we  are  strangers  before  thee,  and  sojourners,  as 
were  all  our  fathers :  our  days  on  the  earth  are  as  a  shadow, 
and  there  is  none  abiding.-  For  he  knoweth  our  frame ;  he 
remembereth  that  we  are  dust.  As  for  man,  his  days  are  as 
grass :  as  a  flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flourisheth.     For  the  wind 


95 

passeth  over  it,  and  it  is  gone  ;  and  the  place  thereof  shall 
know  it  no  more.-  The  Lord  killeth,  and  maketh  alive :  he 
bringeth  down  to  the  grave,  and  bringeth  up.-  There  is  no  man 
that  hath  power  over  the  spirit  to  retain  the  spirit :  neither  hath 
he  power  in  the  day  of  death :  and  there  is  no  discharge  in 
that  war  ;  neither  shall  wickedness  deliver  those  that  are  given 
to  it.  Job.  14.  1.  1  Chron.  29.  15.  Ps.  103.  14—16.  1  Sam.  2. 
6.  Eccl.  8.  8.  ||  Job  16.  22.  and  30.  23.  Ps.  39.  4,  5.  Job  4.  12, 
20.  and  14.  2,  5,  10,  12,  19,  20.  and  21.  23—26. 

How  do  you  feel  respecting  your  own  death  ?  Do  you  try  to 
banish  from  your  minds  the  thoughts  of  dying  ?  Or  are  you 
willing  to  render  this  subject  more  familiar  to  your  thoughts  ? 

189.  Is  the  time  of  death  extremely  uncertain? 

Go  to  now,  ye  that  say,  To-day  or  to-morrow  we  will  go  into 
such  a  city,  and  continue  there  a  year,  and  buy,  and  sell,  and 
get  gain  ;  Whereas  ye  know  not  what  shall  be  on  the  morrow. 
For  what  is  your  life  ?  It  is  even  a  vapour,  that  appeareth  for  a 
little  time,  and  then  vanisheth  away.-  Boast  not  thyself  of 
to-morrow ;  for  thou  knowest  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth.- 
One  dieth  in  his  full  strength,  being  wholly  at  ease  and  quiet.- 
Therefore  be  ye  also  ready :  for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think 
not,  the  Son  of  man  cometh.-  Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine 
end,  and  the  measure  of  my  days,  what  it  is;  that  I  may 
know  how  frail  I  AM.  Jam.  4.  13,  14.  Prov.  27.  1.  Job  21.  23. 
Mat.  24.  44.  Ps.  39.  4.  ||  Gen.  3.  19.  and  27.  2.  I  Sam.  20.  3. 
Ps.  90.  5,  6. 

Do  we  often  reflect  that  our  mortal  lives  may  terminate  soon 
and  suddenly  ?  Does  not  death  overtake  most  persons  unex- 
pectedly? What  if  our  souls  should  this  night  be  required 
of  us  ? 

190.  "  If  a  man  die  shall  he  live  again .?"     Job  14.  14. 
Marvel  not  at  this :  for  the  hour  is  coming,  in  the  which  all 

that  are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  voice,  and  shall  come 
forth  ;  they  that  have  done  good  unto  the  resurrection  of  life  ; 
and  they  that  have  done  evil,  unto  the  resurrection  of  damna- 
tion.- Behold,  I  shew  you  a  mystery  ;  We  shall  not  all  sleep, 
but  we  shall  all  be  changed,  In  a  moment,  in  the  twinkling  of  an 
eye,  at  the  last  trump :  for  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the 
dead  shall  be  raised  incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be  changed. 
For  this  corruptible  must  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal 
must  put  on  immortality.-  For  this  we  say  unto  you  by  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  that  we  which  are  alive  and  remain  unto  the 
coming  of  the  Lord  shall  not  prevent  them  which  are  asleep. 
For  the  Lord  himself  shall  descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout, 


96 

with  the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God 
and  the  dead  in  Christ  shall  rise  first :  Then  we  which  are  alive 
and  remain  shall  be  caught  up  together  with  them  in  the 
clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air :  and  so  shall  we  ever  be 
with  the  Lord.  Wherefore,  comfort  one  another  with  these 
words.  John  5.  28,  29.  1  Cor.  15.  51—53.  1  Thes.  4.  15—18. 
||  Rev.  20.  6,  13,  14.  Job  19.  25—27.  Acts  24.  15,  16.  Ps.  16.  8, 
9,  11.  Dan.  12.  2.  1  Cor.  15.  12,  &c. 

Where  is  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection  taught  clearly  but 
in  the  Bible  ?  How  solemn,  how  interesting,  how  precious  is 
this  doctrine  ? 

191.  Who  will  "judge  the  world  in  righteousness  .?" 

For  the  Father  judgeth  no  man ;  but  hath  committed  all 
judgment  unto  the  Son.-  Because  he  hath  appointed  a  day,  in 
the  which  he  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  by  that 
man  whom  he  hath  ordained  :  whereof  he  hath  given  assurance 
unto  all  men,  in  that  he  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead.-  For 
it  is  written,  As  1  live,  saith  the  Lord,  every  knee  shall  bow  to 
me,  and  every  tongue  shall  confess  to  God.  So  then  every  one 
of  us  shall  give  account  of  himself  to  God.-  When  the  Son  of 
man  shall  come  in  his  glory,  and  all  the  holy  angels  with  him, 
then  shall  he  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his  glory :  And  before  him 
shall  be  gathered  all  nations  :  and  he  shall  separate  them  one 
from  another,  as  a  shepherd  divideth  his  sheep  from  the  goats : 
And  he  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his  right  hand,  but  the  goats  on 
the  left.  John  5.  22.  Acts  17.  31.  Rom.  14.  11,  12.  Mat.  25. 
31—33.  ||  Rev.  20.  11,  12.  Eccl.  12.  14,  11,  9.  Jude  14.  15. 
Rom.  2.  3—16.  Mat.  16.  27.  and  24.  36—42.  Luke  9.  26. 
||  Mark  13.  32—37. 

Must  your  eyes  see  Christ  descend  in  judgment  ?  Must  your 
feet  stand  before  the  Son  of  man  ?  Must  your  ears  hear  the 
irrevocable  sentence  from  his  lips  ?  Can  you  feel  stupid  ? 

192.  What  will  be  the  sentence  of  the  righteous  ? 

Then  shall  the  King  say  unto  them  on  his  right  hand,  Come, 
ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you 
from  the  foundation  of  the  world :  For  1  was  a  hungered,  and 
ye  gave  me  meat :  I  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  drink :  I  was 
a  stranger,  and  ye  took  me  in  :  Naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  :  I 
was  sick,  and  ye  visited  me  :  I  was  in  prison,  and  ye  came  unto 
me.  Then  shall  the  righteous  answer  him,  saying,  Lord,  when 
saw  we  thee  a  hungered,  and  fed  thee  ?  or  thirsty,  and  gave 
thee  drink  ?  When  saw  we  thee  a  stranger,  and  took  thee  in  ? 
or  leaked,  and  clothed  thee  ?  Or  when  saw  we  thee  sick,  or  in 
prison,  and  came  unto  thee  ?  And  the  King  shall  answer  and 


97 

say  unto  them,  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Inasmuch  as  ye  have 
done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have 
done  it  unto  me.-  Therefore  are  they  before  the  throne  of  God, 
and  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple  :  and  he  that  sitteth 
on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among"  them*  They  shall  hunger  no 
more,  neither  thirst  any  more ;  neither  shall  the  sun  light  on 
them,  nor  any  heat.  For  the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of 
the  throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them  unto  living 
fountains  of  waters :  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from 
their  eyes.-  And  he  shewed  me  a  pure  river  of  water  of  life, 
clear  as  crystal,  proceeding  out  of  the  throne  of  God  and  of  the 
Lamb.  In  the  midst  of  the  street  of  it,  and  on  either  side  of 
the  river  was  there  the  tree  of  life,  which  bare  twelve  manner 
of  fruits,  and  yielded  her  fruit  every  month  :  and  the  leaves  of 
the  tree  were  for  the  healing  of  the  nations.  And  there  shall 
be  no  more  curse  :  but  the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb  shall 
be  in  it ;  and  his  servants  shall  serve  him.  Blessed  are  they  that 
do  his  commandments,  that  they  may  have  right  to  the  tree  of 
life,  and  may  enter  in  through  the  gates  into  the  city.  Mat.  25. 
34—40.  Rev.  7.  15—17.  and  22.  1—3,  14.  ||  1  Cor.  2.  9,  10. 
and  13.  9—12.  1  Pet.  1.  3— 5.  2  Pet.  1.  10,  11.  Heb.  4.  9,  11. 
Rev.  3.  21.  Rom.  2.  7.  Mat.  6.  9—21. 

Should  your  characters  be  sealed  from  this  moment,  would 
your  portion  be  with  holy  beings  ?  Have  you  a  relish  for  the 
employments  and  enjoyments  of  heaven  ? 

193.   What  will  be  the  doom  of  the  wicked  ? 

Then  shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on  the  left  hand,  Depart 
from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  lire,  prepared  for  the  devil 
and  his  angels :  For  I  was  a  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  no 
meat :  I  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  no  drink  :  I  was  a  stran- 
ger, and  ye  took  me  not  in :  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  not : 
sick,  and  in  prison,  and  ye  visited  me  not.  The*n  shall  they 
also  answer  him,  saying,  Lord,  when  saw  we  thee  a  hungered, 
or  athirst,  or  a  stranger,  or  naked,  or  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  did 
not  minister  unto  thee  ?  Then  shall  he  answer  them,  saying, 
Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  not  to  one  of  the 
least  of  these,  ye  did  it  not  to  me.  And  these  shall  go  away 
mto  everlasting  punishment :  but  the  righteous  into  life  eter- 
nal.- Upon  the  wicked  he  shall  rain  snares,  fire  and  brimstone, 
and  a  horrible  tempest :  this  shall  be  the  portion  of  their  cup. 
Mat.  25.  41—46.  Ps.  11.  6.  ||  Prov.  1.  24—31.  Mai.  4.  1. 
2  Thes.  1.  7—9.  Is.  33.  14.  Ez.  22.  14.  Mat.  13.  40—42.  Rev. 
14.  9—11.  and  20.  10,  14,  15.  and  21.  8.  ||  Luke  13,  24—28. 

Can  you  doubt  for  a  moment  that  the  God  of  truth  will  exe- 
cute his  threatenings  ?  Let  me  affectionately  request  you  to 
consult  the  Scriptures  which  follow  this  answer.    Could  any 


98 

language  prove  the  doctrine  of  endless  punishments  if  the 
passages  quoted  below  do  not  ? 

Final  States  of  the  Righteous  and  the  Wicked 
contrasted. 

From  men  which  are  thy  hand,  O  Lord  from  men  of  the  world, 
which  have  their  portion  in  this  life,  and  whose  belly  thou  fin- 
est with  thy  hid  treasure :  they  are  full  of  children,  and  leave 
the  rest  of  their  substance  to  their  babes.  As  for  me,  I  will 
behold  thy  face  in  righteousness :  /  shall  be  satisfied,  when  I 
awake,  with  thy  likeness.-  The  hope  of  the  righteous  shall  be 
gladness  :  but  the  expectation  of  the  wicked  shall  perish.-  And 
many  of  them  that  sleep  in  the  dust  of  the  earth  shall  awake, 
some  to  everlasting  life,  and  some  to  shame  and  ever- 
lasting contempt.-  Whose  fan  is  in  his  hand,  and  he  will 
thoroughly  purge  his  floor,  and  gather  his  wheat  into  the  gar- 
ner ;  But  he  will  burn  up  the  chaff  with  unquenchable  fire.- 
And  I  say  unto  you,  That  many  shall  come  from  the  east  and 
west,  and  shall  sit  down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob, 
in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  But  the  children  of  the  kingdom 
shall  be  cast  out  into  outer  darkness :  there  shall  be  weeping 
and  gnashing  of  teeth.-  His  lord  said  unto  him,  Well  done, 
good  and  faithful  servant ;  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few 
things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  things :  enter  thou  into 
the  joy  of  thy  lord.  And  cast  ye  the  unprofitable  servant  into 
outer  darkness :  there  shall  be  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth. 
Then  shall  the  King  say  unto  them  on  his  right  hand,  Come, 
ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for 
you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.  Then  shall  he  say  also 
unto  them  on  the  left  hand,  DEPART  from  me,  ye  cursed, 
into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels. 
And  these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment :  but  the 
righteous  into  life  eternal.-  He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized, 
shall  be  saved  ;  but  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned.- 
For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only-begotten 
Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him,  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life.-  Whosoever  cometh  to  me,  and  heareth 
my  sayings,  and  doeth  them,  I  will  shew  you  to  whom  he  is  like. 
He  is  like  a  man  which  built  a  house,  and  digged  deep,  and 
laid  the  foundation  on  a  rock :  and  when  the  flood  arose,  the 
stream  beat  vehemently  upon  that  house,  and  could  not  shake 
it :  for  it  was  founded  upon  a  rock.  But  he  that  heareth  and 
doeth  not,  is  like  a  man  that  without  a  foundation  built  a  house 
upon  the  earth,  against  which  the  stream  did  beat  vehemently, 
and  immediately  it  fell,  and  the  ruin  of  that  house  was  great.- 
Marvel  not  at  this :  for  the  hour  is  coming,  in  the  which  all  that 


99 

are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  voice,  And  shall  come  forth  ; 
they  that  have  done  good  unto  the  resurrection  of  life  ; 
and  they  that  have  done  evil,  unto  the  resurrection  of  dam 
nation.-  Hath  not  the  potter  power  over  the  clay,  of  the  same 
lump  to  make  one  vessel  unto  honour,  and  another  unto  dis- 
honour ?  What  if  God,  willing  to  shew  his  wrath,  and  to  make 
his  power  known,  endured  with  much  long-suffering;  the  ves- 
sels of  wrath  fitted  to  destruction :  And  that  he  might  make 
known  the  riches  of  his  glory  on  the  vessels  of  mercy,  which  he 
had  afore  prepared  unto  glory.-  He  that  overcometh  shall  in- 
herit all  things  ;  and  I  will  be  his  God,  and  he  shall  be  my  son. 
But  the  fearful,  and  unbelieving,  and  the  abominable,  and 
murderers,  and  whoremongers,  and  sorcerers,  and  idolaters, 
and  all  liars,  shall  have  their  part  in  the  lake  which  burneth 
with  fire  and  brimstone :  which  is  the  SECOND  DEATH.  Ps. 
17.  14,  15.  Prov.  10.  28.  Dan.  12.  2.  Mat.  3.  12.  and  8,  11,  12, 
and  25.  23,  30,  34,  41,  46.  Mark  16.  16.  John  3.  16.  Luke  6. 
47__49.  John  5.  28,  29.  Rom.  9.  21—23.  Rev.  21.  7,  8. 

Words  used  to  express  the  duration  of  future 
punishment. 

Wherefore,  if  thy  hand  or  thy  foot  offend  thee,  cut  them  off, 
and  cast  them  from  thee  ;  it  is  better  for  thee  to  enter  into  life 
halt  or  maimed,  rather  than  having  two  hands  or  two  feet,  to 
be  cast  into  everlasting  fire.-  Who  shall  be  punished  with 
everlasting  destruction  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and 
from  the  glory  of  his  power.-  But  he  that  shall  blaspheme 
against  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  never  forgiveness,  but  is  in  danger 
of  eternal  damnation.-  Even  as  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and 
the  cities  about  them  in  like  manner,  giving  themselves  over  to 
fornication,  and  going  after  strange  flesh,  are  set  forth  for  an 
example,  suffering  the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire.-  These  are 
wells  without  water,  clouds  that  are  carried  with  a  tempest ; 
to  whom  the  mist  of  darkness  is  reserved  for  ever.-  Raging 
waves  of  the  sea,  foaming  out  their  own  shame  ;  wandering 
stars,  to  whom  is  reserved  the  blackness  of  darkness  for  ever.— 
The  same  shall  drink  of  the  wine  of  the  wrath  of  God,  which 
is  poured  out  without  mixture  into  the  cup  of  his  indignation  ; 
and  he  shall  be  tormented  with  fire  and  brimstone  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  holy  angels,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  Lamb  : 
And  the  smoke  of  their  torment  ascendeth  up  for  ever  and 
ever  :  and  they  have  no  rest  day  nor  night,  who  worship  the 
beast  and  his  image,  and  whosoever  receiveth  the  mark  of  his 
name.-  And  again  they  said,  Alleluia.  And  her  smoke  rose 
up  for  ever  and  ever.  Mat.  18,  8.  2  Thes.  1.  9.  Mark  3. 
29.  Jude  7.  2  Pet.  2. 17,  Jude  13.  Rev,  14.  10,  11.  and  19.  3. 


100 

Phrases  used  to  express  the  duration  of  future 
punishment. 

Wherefore  I  say  unto  you,  All  manner  of  sin  and  blasphemy 
shall  be  forgiven  unto  men :  but  the  blasphemy  against  the 
Holy  Ghost  shall  not  be  forgiven  unto  men.  And  whosoever 
speaketh  a  word  against  the  Son  of  man,  it  shall  be  forgiven 
him :  but  whosoever  speaketh  against  the  Holy  Ghost,  it  shall 
not  be  forgiven  him,  neither  in  this  world,  neither  in  the  world 
to  come.-  But  he  that  shall  blaspheme  against  the  Holy  Ghost 
hath  NEVER  forgiveness,  but  is  in  danger  of  eternal  damna- 
tion.- If  any  man  see  his  brother  sin  a  sin  which  is  not  unto 
death,  he  shall  ask,  and  he  shall  give  him  life  for  them  that  sin 
not  unto  death.  There  is  a  sin  unto  death  :  I  do  not  say 
that  he  shall  pray  for  it.-  For  it  is  impossible  for  those  who 
were  once  enlightened,  and  have  tasted  of  the  heavenly 
gift,  and  were  made  partakers  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  And  have 
tasted  the  good  word  of  God,  and  the  powers  of  the  world  to 
come,  If  they  shall  fall  away,  to  renew  them  again  unto  repen- 
tance ;  seeing  they  crucify  to  themselves  the  Son  of  God  afresh, 
and  put  him  to  an  open  shame.-  For  if  we  sin  wilfully  after 
that  we  have  received  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  there  re- 
maineth  no  more  sacrifice  for  sins,  But  a  certain  fearful  looking 
for  of  judgment  and  fiery  indignation,  which  shall  devour  the 
adversaries.-  For  what  is  a  man  advantaged,  if  he  gain  the 
whole  world,  and  lose  himself,  or  be  cast  away  ?-  The  Son  of 
man  goeth,  as  it  is  written  of  him :  but  wo  unto  that  man  by 
whom  the  Son  of  man  is  betrayed !  it  had  been  good  for 

THAT  MAN  IF  HE  HAD  NOT  BEEN  BORN.-    And  it  Came  to  pass, 

that  the  beggar  died,  and  was  carried  by  the  angels  into  Abra- 
ham's bosom-  The  rich  man  also  died,  and  was  buried  :  And 
in  hell  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  being  in  torments,  and  seeth  Abra- 
ham afar  off,  and  Lazarus  in  his  bosom.  And  besides  all  this, 
between  us  and  you  there  is  a  great  gulf  fixed  :  so  that  they 
which  would  pass  from  hence  to  you,  cannot ;  neither  can  they 
pass  to  us,  that  would  come  from  thence.-  He  that  believeth 
on  the  Son  hath  everlasting  life  :  and  he  that  believeth  not  the 
Son,  shall  not  see  life  ;  but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on 
him.-  Then  said  Jesus  again  unto  them,  I  go  my  way,  and  ye 
shall  seek  me,  and  shall  die  in  your  sins :  whither  I  go,  ye  can- 
not come.-  For  many  walk,  of  whom  I  have  told  you  often, 
and  now  tell  you  even  weeping,  that  they  are  the  enemies  of 
the  cross  of  Christ-:  Whose  end  is  destruction,  whose  god  is 
their  belly,  and  whose  glory  is  in  their  shame,  who  mind  earth- 
ly things.-  And  if  thy  hand  offend  thee,  cut  it  off:  it  is  better 
for  thee  to  enter  into  life  maimed,  than  having  two  hands  to  go 
into  hell,  into  the  fire  that  never  shall  be  quenched.-  The 
sinners  in  Zion  are  afraid ;  fearfulness  hath  surprised  the  hype- 


101 

crites.  Who  among  us  shall  dwell  with  the  devouring 
fire  ?  who  among  us  shall  dwell  with  everlasting  burnings  ? 
Mat.  12.  31,  32.  Mark  3.  29.  1  John  5.  16.  Heb.  6.  4—6.  and 
10.  26,  27.  Luke  9.  25.  Mat.  26.  24.  Luke  16.  22,  23,  26.  John 
3.  36.  and  8.  21.  Phil.  3.  18,  19.  Mark  9.  43.  Is.  33.  14. 

194.    What  influence  ought  these  truths  to  have  on  our  minds  ? 

Seeing  then  that  all  these  things  shall  be  dissolved,  what 
manner  of  persons  ought  ye  to  be  in  all  holy  conversation  and 
godliness,  Looking  for  and  hasting  unto  the  coming  of  the  day 
of  God,  wherein  the  heavens  being  on  fire  shall  be  dissolved, 
and  the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat?  Nevertheless 
we,  according  to  his  promise,  look  for  new  heavens  and  a  new 
earth,  wherein  dwelleth  righteousness.  Wherefore,  beloved, 
seeing  that  ye  look  for  such  things,  be  diligent  that  ye  may  be 
found  of  him  in  peace,  without  spot,  and  blameless.-  Enter  ye 
in  at  the  strait  gate  ;  for  wide  is  the  gate,  and  broad  is  the  way, 
that  leadeth  to  destruction,  and  many  there  be  which  go  in 
thereat :  Because  strait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the  way, 
which  leadeth  unto  life,  and  few  there  be  that  find  it.-  Be  ye 
also  patient ;  establish  your  hearts  :  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord 
draweth  nigh.-  And  take  heed  to  yourselves,  lest  at  any  time 
your  hearts  be  overcharged  with  surfeiting  and  drunkenness, 
and  cares  of  this  life,  and  so  that  day  come  upon  you  unawares. 
Watch  ye  therefore,  and  pray  always,  that  ye  may  be  account- 
ed worthy  to  escape  all  these  things  that  shall  come  to  pass, 
and  to  stand  before  the  Son  of  man.-  And  the  Lord  make  you 
to  increase  and  abound  in  love  one  toward  another,  and  toward 
all  men,  even  as  we  do  toward  you.  To  the  end  he  may 
establish  your  hearts  unblamable  in  holiness  before  God,  even 
our  Father,  at  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  with  all  his 
saints.  2  Pet.  3.  11—14.  Mat.  7.  13,  14.  Jam.  5.  8.  Luke  21. 
34,  36.  1  Thes.  3.  12,  13.  ||  Col.  3.  5,  8.  1  Pet.  1.  7,  8,  13—15. 

Can  any  of  you  suffer  these  momentous  truths  to  leave  you 
in  stupidity  ?  Shall  it  not  quicken  the  pious  to  more  zeal  and 
activity  in  religion  ?  Though  I  may  never  see  you  in  time,  let 
me  here  earnestly  beseech  you  to  prepare  for  death,  judgment, 

and  ETERNITY. 

BIOGRAPHICAL    OUTLINES    OF   TIMOTHY. 

Timothy  was  a  native  of  Asia  Minor.  His  father  was  a 
Greek.  His  mother  Eunice,  and  grandmother  Louis,  were  emi- 
nently pious  Jewesses,  whose  religious  fidelity -will  be  had  in 
everlasting  remembrance.-  His  traits  of  moral  character 
were,  early  and  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  Scriptures, — 
vital  faith  and  holy  disinterestedness.  ADvANTAGESofthe.se 
heavenly  characteristicks.-  He  acquired  a  deep  insight  into 
the  eternal  rules  of  truth  and  duty.-  His  usefulness  was 
eminent,  and  his  latter  end  transcendently  glorious. 
1*2 


102 

HISTORICAL  QUESTIONS. 

It  would  be  easy  for  the  pupils  in  Bible  Classes  to  write 
Biographical  sketches  of  Scripture  characters,  and  this 
would  be  found  a  highly  interesting  and  profitable  exercise, 
by  those  who  have  any  taste  for  mental  improvement.  Be- 
sides the  intellectual  powers  must  be  aroused  in  some  de- 
gree, to  clothe  the  truth  they  derived  from  the  Scriptures 
in  their  own  language,  and  many  advantages  would  result 
from  this  exercise.  For  a  specimen  of  Biographical  out- 
lines of  a  Scripture  character,  See  Page  101.  The  other 
hints  on  this  page  would  admit  of  being  expanded  by  the 
most  cultivated  minds. 

What  important  circumstances  do  you  recollect,  respecting  th* 
parentage,  the  character,  the  life,  or  the  death  of  the  following 
Scripture  characters,  or  of  their  respective  family  connexions? 

Of  the  second  Adam,  or  Family  connexions. 

Of  the  first  Adam,  or  Family  connexions* 
Of  Enoch,  or  Family.  Of  Joseph,  or  Family. 

Of  Noah,  or  Family.  Of  Moses,  or  Family. 

Of  Abraham,  or  Family.  Of  Aaron,  or  Family. 

Of  Isaac,  or  Family.  Of  Joshua,  or  Family.    , 

Of  Jacob,  or  Family.  Of  Caleb,  or  Family. 

Of  the  Judges  of  Israel,  or  their  Families. 
Of  David,  or  Family.  Of  Solomon,  or  Family. 

Of  the  Kings  of  Judah,  or  their  Families. 

Of  the  Kings  of  Israel,  or  their  Families. 
Of  the  Prophets.  Of  the  Apostles. 

What  miracles  were  performed  ?  What  prophecies  and  parables 
were  uttered  by  Christ,  his  Jlposlles,  or  Prophets,  to  establish, 
illustrate,  or  enforce  the  great  truths  of  Divine  Revelation  ? 

Who  is  wise,  and  he  shall  understand  these  things  ?  prudent, 
and  he  shall  know  them  ?  for  the  ways  of  the  Lord  are  right, 
and  the  just  shall  walk  in  them :  but  the  transgressors  shall 
fall  therein.     Hos.  14.  9. 

And  now,  brethren,  I  commend  you  to  God,  and  to  the 
word  of  his  grace,  which  is  able  to  build  you  up,  and  to 
give  you  an  inheritance  among  all  them  which  are  sanctified. 
Acts  20.    ■  . 

O,  THOU,  WHO  ART  THE  INEXHAUSTIBLE  FOUNTAIN  OF 
WISDOM,  OF  PURITY,  AND  OF  BENEVOLENCE  ;  HAVE  COMPAS- 
SION ON  THE  DEAR  YOUTH  WHO  PERUSE  THIS.  "  SANCTIFY 
THEM  THROUGH  THY  TRUTH,  THY  WORD  IS  TRUTH,"  AND 
». OVE  THEM  WITH  AN  EVERLASTING  LOVE       AMEN. 


APPENDIX. 


Note  A. 

In  this  work  the  short  dash  separates  the  quotations,  the 
word  l  and'  divides  -chapters,  a  period,  the  chapter  and  verse, 
a  comma,  separates  verses,  and  a  dash  is  used  for  intervening" 
verses.  In  the  Scripture  quotations  I  have  adhered  to  the 
punctuation  of  our  common  Bibles  ;  not  because  it  was  most 
correct,  but  to  prevent  all  objections-  The  reference  figures 
of  the  texts  quoted  are  placed  after  the  quotations  and  before 
the  parallel. 

Note  B. 

The  first  set  of  references  are  selected  to  be  treasured  in 
memory  by  the  learner,  the  other  references  should  be  atten- 
tively consulted.  Regard  to  the  connexion  in  those  texts 
designed  to  be  treasured  in  memory  has  dictated  the  selection 
and  the  length  of  many  passages  which  precede  the  parallels. 
On  this  account  more  pertinent  Scriptures  will  often  be  found 
in  the  second  sets  of  references  than  in  the  first.  And,  though 
considerable  pains  has  been  taken  in  the  revisal,  doubtless,  in 
many  instances  more  pertinent  texts  than  those  collated  might 
have  been  selected.  u  My  leanness,  my  leanness,"  in  the 
knowledge  of  the  Scriptures  is  my  only  apology.  Where  three 
sets  of  references  follow  any  question,  the  first  is  designed  to 
exhibit,  the  second  to  display,  and  the  third  usually  to  enforce 
the  answer. 

Note  C. 
TO  JEHOVAH,  FATHER,  SON,  AND  HOLY  GHOST, 

BELONGETH  ETERNITY  I 

The  Fathers  eternity  is  revealed — The  eternal  God  is  thy 
refuge,  and  underneath  are  the  everlasting  arms.-  And  God 
said  unto  Moses  I  AM  THAT  I  AM.     Deut.  33.  27.  Ex.  3.  14. 

The  Son's  eternity  is  revealed — The  Lord  possessed  me  in 
the  beginning  of  his  way,  before  his  works  of  old.  Then  1 
was  by  him,  as  one  brought  up  with  him  :  and  I  was  daily  his 
delight,  rejoicing  Always  before  him.     Prov.  8.  22,  30. 


104 

The  Spirit's  eternity  is  revealed — How  much  more  shall  the 
blood  of  Christ,  who  through  the  eternal  Spirit  offered  him- 
self without  spot  to  God,  purge  your  conscience  from  dead 
works  to  serve  the  living  God  ?  Heb.  9.  14. 

Omnipresence. — The  Fathers,  Sec* — Can  any  hide  himself 
in  secret  places  that  I  shall  not  see  him  ?  saith  the  Lord.  Do 
not  I  fill  heaven  and  earth  ?  saith  the  Lord.-  Which  is 
his  body,  the  fulness  of  him  that  filleth  all  in  all.- 
Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  Spirit  ?  or  whither  shall  I 
flee  from  thy  presence  ?     Jer.  23.  24.  Eph.  1.  23.  Ps.  139.  7. 

Omniscience. — Then  hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwelling-place, 
and  forgive,  and  do,  and  give  to  every  man  according  to  his 
ways,  whose  heart  thou  knowest ;  (for  thou,  even  thou  only, 
knowest  the  hearts  of  all  the  children  of  men.)-  And  I  will 
kill  her  children  with  death  ;  and  all  the  churches  shall  know 
that  I  am  he  which  searcheth  the  reins  and  hearts  : 
and  I  will  give  unto  every  one  of  you  according  to  your  works.- 
But  God  hath  revealed  them  unto  us  by  his  Spirit ;  for  the 
Spirit  searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the  deep  things  of  God. 
I  Kings  8.  39.  Rev.  2.  23.  1  Cor.  2.  10. 

Wisdom, — Daniel  answered  and  said,  Blessed  be  the  name 
of  God  for  ever  and  ever :  for  wisdom  and  might  are  his.-  In 
whom  are  hid  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowledge.- 
That  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Father  of  glory, 
may  give  unto  you  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  revelation  in  the 
knowledge  of  him.     Dan.  2.  20.  Col.  2.  3.  Eph.  1.  17. 

Power, — God  hath  spoken  once  ;  twice  have  I  heard  this  ; 
that  power  belongeth  unto  God.-  And  Jesus  came  and  spake 
unto  them,  saying,  All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and 
in  earth.-  Through  mighty  signs  and  wonders,  by  the  power  of 
the  Spirit  of  God  ;  so  that  from  Jerusalem,  and  round  about 
unto  Illyricum,  I  have  fully  preached  the  gospel  of  Christ.  Ps. 
62.  11.  Mat.  28.  18.  Rom.  15.  19. 

Goodness, — O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  good  ; 
for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.-  How  God  anointed  Jesus  of 
Nazareth  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  power :  who  went 
about  doing  good,  and  healing  all  that  were  oppressed  of  the 
devil ;  for  God  was  with  him.-  Teach  me  to  do  thy  will ;  for 
thou  art  my  God  :  thy  Spirit  is  good  ;  lead  me  into  the  land  of 
uprightness.     1  Chron.  16.  34.  Acts  10.  38.  Ps.  143.  10. 

And  Truth. — He  is  the  Rock,  his  work  is  perfect :  for  all  his 

*  In  the  note  on  the  sacred  trinity,  after  each  attribute  and 
work  of  JEHOVAH,  the  first  reference  respects  the  father, 
the  second  reference  respects  the  son,  and  the  third  reference 
respects  the  holy  ghost. 


105 

ways  are  judgment :  a  God  of  truth,  and  without  iniquity, 
just  and  right  is  he.-  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and 
dwelt  among  us,  (and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the 
only-begotten  of  the  Father,)  full  of  grace  and  truth.-  Even 
the  Spirit  of  truth  ;  whom  the  world  cannot  receive,  because 
it  seeth  him  not,  neither  knoweth  him  :  but  ye  know  him  ;  for 
he  dwelleth  with  you,  and  shall  be  in  you.  Deut.  32.  4.  John 
1.  14.  and  14.  17. 

JEHOVAH,  FATHER,  SON,  AND  HOLY  GHOST, 

Creates, 

Know  ye  that  the  Lord  he  is  God  :  it  is  he  that  hath  made 
us,  and  not  we  ourselves  ;  we  are  his  people,  and  the  sheep  of 
his  pasture.-  All  things  were  made  by  him  ;  and  without 
him  was  not  any  thing  made  that  was  made.-  The  Spirit  of 
god  hath  made  me,  and  the  breath  of  the  Almighty  hath 
given  me  life.     Ps.  100.  3.  John  1.  3.  Job  33.  4. 

Instructs, — It  is  written  in  the  prophets,  And  they  shall  be 
all  taught  of  God.  Every  man  therefore  that  hath  heard, 
and  hath  learned  of  the  Father,  cometh  unto  me.-  For  I  neither 
received  it  of  man,  neither  was  I  taught  it,  but  by  the  revela- 
tion of  jesus  christ.-  But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy 
Ghost,  whom  the  Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall 
teach  you  all  things,  and  bring  all  things  to  your  remem- 
brance, whatsoever  I  have  said  unto  you.  John  6.  45.  Gal.  I. 
12.  John  14.  26. 

Leads, — Thus  saith  the  Lord,  thy  Redeemer,  the  Holy  One 
of  Israel ;  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God  which  teacheth  thee  to  profit, 
which  leadeth  thee  by  the  way  that  thou  shouldest  go.-  To 
him  the  porter  openeth  ;  and  the  sheep  hear  his  voice  :  and  he 
calleth  his  own  sheep  by  name,  and  leadeth  them  out.-  For 
as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they  are  the  sons  of 
God.     Is.  48.  17.  John  10.  3.  Rom.  8.  14. 

Sanctifies — Jude,  the  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  brother  of 
James,  to  them  that  are  sanctified  by  God  the  Father,  and 
preserved  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  called.-  For  both  he  that  sancti- 
fieth,  and  they  who  are  sanctified,  are  all  of  one :  for  which 
cause  he  is  not  ashamed  to  call  them  brethren.'-  That  I  should 
be  the  minister  of  Jesus  Christ  to  the  Gentiles,  ministering  the 
gospel  of  God,  that  the  offering  up  of  the  Gentiles  might  be 
acceptable,  being  sanctified  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  Jude  1. 
Heb.  2.  11.  Rom.  15.  16. 

And  Quickens.— For  as  the  Father  raiseth  up  the  dead,  and 
quickeneth  them ;  even  so  the  Son  quickeneth  whom  he 
will.-    It  is  the  Spirit  that  quickeneth;  the  flesh  profiteth 


10G 

nothing :  the  words  that  1  speak  unto  you,  they  are  spirit,  and 
they  are  life.     John  5.  21.  and  6.  63. 

All  spiritual  and  divine  operations  are  performed  by  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  to  WHOM  be  ascribed 
All  the  glory  for  ever.    Amen. 

And  there  are  diversities  of  operations,  but  it  is  the  same 
God  which  worketh  all  in  all.-  Where  there  is  neither 
Greek  nor  Jew,  circumcision  nor  uncircumcision,  Barbarian, 
Scythian,  bond  nor  free  ;  but  Christ  is  all,  and  in  all.-  But 
all  these  worketh  that  one  and  the  self-same  Spirit,  divid- 
ing to  every  man  severally  as  he  will.  1  Cor.  12.  6.  Col.  3. 11. 
1  Cor.  12.  11. 

Note  D. 

We  have  conclusive  evidence  that  God  directs  and  governs  all 
things  either  by  general  or  special  providence. 

Are  not  two  sparrows  sold  for  a  farthing  ?  and  one  of  them 
shall  not  fall  on  the  ground  without  your  Father.-  Who  know- 
eth  not  in  all  these  that  the  hand  of  the  Lord  hath  wrought 
this  ?  In  whose  hand  is  the  soul  of  every  living  thing,  and  the 
breath  of  all  mankind.  Behold,  he  breaketh  down  and  it  can- 
not be  built  again :  he  shutteth  up  a  man,  and  there  can  be  no 
opening.  Behold,  he  withholdeth  the  waters,  and  they  dry  up  • 
also  he  sendeth  them  out,  and  they  overturn  the  earth.  With 
him  is  strength  and  wisdom  :  the  deceived  and  the  deceiver  are 
his.  He  poureth  contempt  upon  princes,  and  weakeneth  the 
strength  of  the  mighty.  He  increaseth  the  nations,  and  de- 
stroyeth  them:  he  enlargeth  the  nations,  and  straighteneth 
them  again.  He  taketh  away  the  heart  of  the  chief  of  the 
people  of  the  earth,  and  causeth  them  to  wander  in  a  wilder 
ness  where  there  is  no  way.-  And  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth  are  reputed  as  nothing :  and  he  doeth  according  to  his 
will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth :  and  none  can  stay  his  hand,  or  say  unto  him,  What 
doest  thou  ?-  Let  all  the  earth  fear  the  Lord :  let  all  the  in- 
habitants of  the  world  stand  in  awe  of  him.  For  he  spake,  and 
it  was  done ;  he  commanded,  and  it  stood  fast.  The  Lord 
bringeth  the  counsel  of  the  heathen  to  nought  :  he  maketh  the 
devices  of  the  people  of  none  effect.  The  counsel  of  the  Lord 
standeth  for  ever,  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  to  all  generations.- 
Who  hath  directed  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  or  being  his  counsel- 
lor, hath  taught  him  ?  With  whom  took  he  counsel,  and  who 
instructed  him,  and  taught  him  in  the  path  of  judgment,  and 
taught  him  knowledge,  and  shewed  to  him  the  way  of  under 


107 

standing?  Behold,  the  nations  are  as  a  drop  of  a  bucket,  and 
are  counted  as  the  small  dust  of  the  balance :  behold,  he  tak- 
eth  up  the  isles  as  a  very  little  thing.  It  is  he  that  sitteth  upon 
the  circle  of  the  earth,  and  the  inhabitants  thereof  are  as  grass- 
hoppers ;  that  stretcheth  out  the  heavens  as  a  curtain,  and 
spreadeth  them  out  as  a  tent  to  dwell  in  :  That  bringeth  the 
princes  to  nothing  ;  he  maketh  the  judges  of  the  earth  as  vani- 
ty. Yea,  they  shall  not  be  planted :  yea,  they  shall  not  be 
sown :  yea,  their  stock  shall  not  take  root  in  the  earth  :  and  he 
shall  also  blow  upon  them,  and  they  shall  wither,  and  the 
whirlwind  shall  take  them  away  as  stubble.  Mat.  10.  29.  Job 
12.  9,  10,  14—16,  21,  23,  24.  Dan.  4.  35.  Ps.  33.  8—11.  Is.  40. 
13—15,  22—24. 

The  104th  Ps.  deserves  particular  attention. 

Note  E. 

A  Scriptural  description  of  the  unrenewed  heart. 

In  connexion  with  the  following  texts  of  Scripture, 
it  should  be  remembered,  divine  veracity  has  decided 
that,  M  As  in  water,  face  answereth  to  face  ;  so  the 
heart  of  man  to  man." — Prov.  27.  1 9. 

//  is  wicked, — Beware  that  there  be  not  a  thought  in  thy 
wicked  heart,  saying,  The  seventh  year,  the  year  of  release,  is 
at  hand  ;  and  thine  eye  be  evil  against  thy  poor  brother,  and 
thou  givest  him  nought ;  and  he  cry  unto  the  Lord  against 
thee,  and  it  be  sin  unto  thee.     Deut.  15.  9. 

Froward, — Frowardness  is  in  his  heart,  he  deviseth  mischief 
continually  ;  he  soweth  discord.-  They  that  are  of  a  froward 
heart  are  abomination  to  the  Lord :  but  such  as  are  upright 
in  their  way  are  his  delight.     Prov.  6.  14.  and  11.  20. 

Perverse, — A  man  shall  be  commended  according  to  his  wis- 
dom: but  he  that  is  of  a  perverse  heart  shall  be  despised. 
Prov.  12.  8. 

Rebellious, — But  this  people  hath  a  revolting  and  a  rebellious 
heart ;  they  are  revolted  and  gone.     Jer.  5.  23. 

Impenitent, — But  after  thy  hardness  and  impenitent  heart, 
treasurest  up  unto  thyself  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath,  and 
revelation  of  the  righteous  judgment  of  God.   Rom.  2.  5. 

Hard, — O  Lord,  are  not  thine  eyes  upon  the  truth  ?  thou 
hast  stricken  them,  but  they  have  not  grieved  ;  thou  hast  con- 
sumed them,  but  they  have  refused  to  receive  correction  :  they 
have  made  their  faces  harder  than  a  rock  ;  they  have  refused 
to  return.-  Yea,  they  made  their  hearts  as  an  adamant  stoney 
lest  they  should  hear  the  law,  and  the  words  which  the  Lord 


108 

of  hosts  hath  sent  in  his  Spirit  by  the  former  prophets  :  there- 
fore came  a  great  wrath  from  the  Lord  of  hosts.  Jer.  5.  3. 
Zech.  7.  12. 

And  Stony. — A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new 
spirit  will  I  put  within  you :  and  I  will  take  away  the  stony 
heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and  I  will  give  you  a  heart  of  flesh. 
Ez.  36.  26. 

It  is  full  of  Vanity  and  Iniquity,— -And  if  he  come  to  see  me, 
he  speaketh  vanity:  his  heart  gathereth  iniquity  to  itself; 
when  he  goeth  abroad,  he  telleth  it.     Ps.  41.  6. 

Of  Pride, — The  wicked,  through  the  pride  of  his  counte- 
nance, will  not  seek  after  God  :  God  is  not  in  all  his  thoughts. 
Ps.  10.  4. 

Of  Covetousness, — Having  eyes  full  of  adultery,  and  that 
cannot  cease  from  sin  ;  beguiling  unstable  souls :  a  heart  they 
have  exercised  with  covetous  practices ;  cursed  children.  2 
Pet.  2.  14. 

Of  Mischief — Which  imagine  mischiefs  in  their  hearts  ;  con- 
tinually are  they  gathered  together  for  war.  Ps.  140.  2, 

Of  Deceit, — Deceit  is  in  the  heart  of  them  that  imagine  evil: 
but  to  the  counsellors  of  peace  is  joy.-  They  speak  vanity 
every  one  with  his  neighbour :  with  flattering  lips  and  with  a 
double  heart  do  they  speak.  The  Lord  shall  cut  off  all  flatter- 
ing lips,  and  the  tongue  that  speaketh  proud  things.  Prov.  12. 
20.  Ps.  12.  2,  3. 

Of  Evil  and  Madness.  — This  is  an  evil  among  all  things  that 
are  done  under  the  sun,  that  there  is  one  event  unto  all :  yea, 
also  the  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  full  of  evil,  and  madness  is 
in  their  heart  while  they  live,  and  after  that  they  go  to  the 
dead.  Eccl.  9.  3. 

REFLECTIONS. 

From  this  Scriptural  view  of  the  unrenewed  heart,  it  ap- 
pears, exactly  fitted, — justly  deserving, — and  certainly 
exposed,  to  endure  "  indignation  and  wrath,  tribulation  and 
anguish,"  in  time  and  to  eternity.  No  wonder  that  unre- 
newed persons  are  deeply  distressed  when  their  hearts  are 
shewn  them  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  The  efficacy  of  Christ's 
blood, — divine  power, — and  free  grace,  are  supereminent- 
ly displayed  when  sinners  hearts  are  renewed. 

Note  F. 

Let  those  who  have  been  spiritually  enlightened,  remem- 
her  their  increased  obligations,  and  be  careful  to  walk  worthy  of 
their  high  vocation. 

Ye  are  all  the  children  of  light,  and  the  children  of  the  day  : 


109 

we  are  not  of  the  night,  nor  of  darkness.  Therefore  let  us  ttot 
sleep,  as  do  others  ;  but  let  us  watch  and  be  sober.  For  they 
that  sleep,  sleep  in  the  night ;  and  they  that  be  drunken  are 
drunken  in  the  night.  But  let  us,  who  are  of  the  day,  be 
sober,  putting  on  the  breast-plate  of  faith  and  love  ;  and  for  a 
helmet,  the  hope  of  salvation.  For  God  hath  not  appointed  us 
to  wrath,  but  to  obtain  salvation  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Who 
died  for  us,  that,  whether  we  wake  or  sleep,  we  should  live 
together  with  him.-  But  ye  are  a  chosen  generation,  a  royal 
priesthood,  a  holy  nation,  a  peculiar  people ;  that  ye  should 
shew  forth  the  praises  of  him  who  hath  called  you  out  of  dark- 
ness into  his  marvellous  light :  Which  in  time  past  were  not  a 
people,  but  are  now  the  people  of  God  :  which  had  not  obtain- 
ed mercy,  but  now  have  obtained  mercy.  Dearly  beloved,  I 
beseech  you,  as  strangers  and  pilgrims,  abstain  from  fleshly 
lusts,  which  war  against  the  soul ;  Having  your  conversation 
honest  among  the  Gentiles  :  that,  whereas  they  speak  against 
you  as  evil-doers,  they  may  by  your  good  works,  which  they 
shall  behold,  glorify  God  in  the  day  of  visitation.-  Ye  are  the 
salt  of  the  earth :  but  if  the  salt  have  lost  his  savour,  where- 
with shall  it  be  salted  ?  it  is  thenceforth  good  for  nothing,  but 
to  be  cast  out,  and  to  be  trodden  under  foot  of  men.  Ye  are 
the  light  of  the  world.  A  city  that  is  set  on  a  hill  cannot  be 
hid.  Neither  do  men  light  a  candle,  and  put  it  under  a  bushel, 
but  on  a  candlestick :  and  it  giveth  light  unto  all  that  are  in 
the  house.  Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they  may 
see  your  good  works.,  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  hea- 
ven. 1  Thes.  5.  5—10.  1  Pet.  2.  9—12.  Mat.  5.  13—16. 
||  Rom.  13.  11—14.  1  Pet.  1.  18—23. 

Note  G. 

The  author  and  means,  nature  and  fruits,  of  evangelical 
repentance  briefly  stated. 

Jehovah,  Father, — In  meekness  instructing  those  that  op- 
pose themselves  ;  if  God  peradventure  will  give  them  repen- 
tance to  the  acknowledging  of  the  truth.    2  Tim.  2.  25. 

Son, — Him  hath  God  exalted  with  his  right  hand  to  be  a 
Prince  and  a  Saviour,  for  to  give  repentance  to  Israel,  and  for- 
giveness of  sins.     Acts  5.  31. 

And  Spirit, — For  if  ye  live  after  the  flesh,  ye  shall  die  :  but 
if  ye  through  the  Spirit  do  mortify  the  deeds  of  the  body,  ye 
shall  live.     Rom.  8.  13. 

Giveth  repentance  by  the  means  of  his  word,  written, — The 
law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the  soul :  the  testimony  of 
the  Lord  is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple.-  And  he  said  unto 
K 


110 

him,  if  they  hear  not  Moses  and  the  prophets,  neither  will  they 
be  persuaded,  though  one  rose  from  the  dead.  Ps.  19.  7.  Luke 
16.31. 

And  dispensed. — And  many  of  the  children  of  Israel  shall  he 
turn  to  the  Lord  their  God.-  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn 
them  from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto 
God,  that  they  may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance 
among  them  which  are  sanctified  by  faith  that  is  in  me.  Luke 
1.  16.  Acts  26.  18. 

Self-examination, — Let  us  search  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn 
again  to  the  Lord.     Lam.  3.  40. 

Conviction  of  Sin, — What  prayer  and  supplication  soever  be 
made  by  any  man,  or  by  all  thy  people  Israel,  which  shall 
know  every  man  the  plague  of  his  own  heart,  and  spread  forth 
his  hands  toward  this  house.     1  Kings  8.  38. 

Self-loathing, — And  there  shall  ye  remember  your  ways,  and 
all  your  doings  wherein  ye  have  been  defiled ;  and  ye  shall 
loathe  yourselves  in  your  own  sight  for  all  your  evils  that  ye 
have  committed.     Ez.  20.  43. 

Sincere  confession, — And  the  leper  in  whom  the  plague  is,  his 
clothes  shall  be  rent,  and  his  head  bare,  and  he  shall  put  a 
covering  upon  his  upper  lip,  and  shall  cry,  Unclean,  unclean .- 
But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteous- 
nesses are  as  filthy  rags  ;  and  we  all  do  fade  as  a  leaf;  and  our 
iniquities,  like  the  wind,  have  taken  us  away.  Lev.  13.  45. 
Is.  64.  6. 

Fervent  Petition, — And  the  publican,  standing  afar  off,  would 
not  lift  up  so  much  as  his  eyes  unto  heaven,  but  smote  upon 
his  breast,  saying,  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner.  Luke 
18.  13. 

Turning  to  God, — And  I  will  give  them  a  heart  to  know  me, 
that  I  am  the  Lord :  and  they  shall  be  my  people,  and  I  will  be 
their  God:  for  they  shall  return  unto  me  with  their  whole 
heart.     Jer.  24.  7. 

In  heart, — I  will  arise  and  go  to  my  father,  and  will  say 
unto  him,  Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  before 
thee.-  Set  thee  up  way-marks,  make  thee  high  heaps:  set 
thine  heart  toward  the  highway,  even  the  way  which  thou 
wentest :  turn  again  O  virgin  of  Israel,  turn  again  to  these  thy 
cities.     Luke  15.  18.  Jer.  31.  21. 

And  in  life,  united,  constitute  genuine  repentance. — I  entreat- 
ed thy  favour  with  my  whole  heart:  be  merciful  unto  me 
according  to  thy  word.  I  thought  on  my  ways,  and  turned 
my  feet  unto  thy  testimonies.  I  made  haste,  and  delayed  not 
to  keep  thy  commandments.     Ps.  119.  58 — 60. 


Ill 

Note  H. 

A  brief  statement  of  the  Author,  the  means,  the  nature,  the 
evidences,  and  the  privileges  of  genuine  Faith. 

We  are  required  to  have  strong, — He  staggered  not  at  the 
promise  of  GoD  through  unbelief;  but  was  strong  in  faith, 
giving  glory  to  God.     Rom.  4.  20. 

Steadfast, — Watch  ye,  stand  fast  in  the  faith,  quit  you  like 
men,  be  strong.     1  Cor.  16.  13. 

Persevering — For  though  I  be  absent  in  the  flesh,  yet  am  I 
with  you  in  the  spirit,  joying  and  beholding  your  order,  and 
the  steadfastness  of  your  faith  in  Christ.  As  ye  have  therefore 
received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  walk  ye  in  him  :  Rooted 
and  built  up  in  him,  and  established  in  the  faith,  as  ye  have 
been  taught,  abounding  therein  with  thanksgiving.  Col. 
2.  5—7. 

Faith — Now  faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the 
evidence  of  things  not  seen.     Heb.  11.1. 

In  God, — And  Jesus  answering,  saith  unto  them,  Have  faith 
in  God.     Mark  11.  22. 

In  Christ, — Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  This  is  the 
work  of  God,  that  ye  believe  on  him  whom  he  hath  sent. 
John  6.  29. 

And  in  the  Scriptures. — And  they  rose  early  in  the  morning, 
and  went  forth  into  the  wilderness  of  Tekoa :  and  as  they  went 
forth,  Jehoshaphat  stood  and  said,  Hear  me,  O  Judah.  and  ye 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem ;  Believe  in  the  Lord  your  God,  so 
shall  ye  be  established  ;  believe  his  prophets,  so  shall  ye  pros- 
per.- Then  he  said  unto  them,  O  fools,  and  slow  of  heart  to 
believe  all  that  the  prophets  have  spoken  !-  But  continue  thou 
in  the  things  which  thou  hast  learned  and  hast  been  assured 
of,  knowing  of  whom  thou  hast  learned  them;  And  that  from 
a  child  thou  hast  known  the  holy  scriptures,  which  are  able  to 
make  thee  wise  unto  salvation  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus.     2  Chron.  20.  20.  Luke  24.  25.  2  Tim.  3.  14,  15. 

Faith  has  for  its  Author  jehovah,— For  I  say,  through  the 
grace  given  unto  me,  to  every  man  that  is  among  you,  not  to 
think  of  himself  more  highly  than  he  ought  to  think  ;  but  to 
think  soberly,  according  as  God  hath  dealt  to  every  man  the 
measure  of  faith.     Rom.  12.  3. 

Father, — And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Blessed 
art  thou,  Simon  Bar-jona :  for  flesh  and  blood  hath  not  revealed 
it  unto  thee,  but  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven.  Mat.  16.  17. 

Son, — Looking  unto  Jesus  the  author  and  finisher  of  our 
faith ;  who,  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  him,  endured  the 
across,  despising  the  shame,  and  is  set  down  at  the  right  hand  of 
the  throne  of  God.     Heb.  12.  2. 


112 

And  Spirit : — To  another,  faith  by  the  same  Spirit ;  to 
another,  the  gifts  of  healing  by  the  same  Spirit.  1  Cor.  12.  9. 

Its  subordinate  means,  the  written — But  these  are  written, 
that  ye  might  believe  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God  ; 
and  that  believing  ye  might  have  life  through  his  name.  John 
20.  31. 

And  dispensed — Neither  pray  I  for  these  alone  ;  but  for 
them  also  which  shall  believe  on  me  through  their  word. 
John  17.  20. 

Word  of  God  ; — How  then  shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom 
they  have  not  believed  ?  and  how  shall  they  believe  in  him  of 
whom  they  have  not  heard  ?  and  how  shall  they  hear  without 
a  preacher  ?  So  then,  faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by 
the  word  of  God.     Rom.  10.  14.  17. 

And  the  fruits  of  righteousness  for  its  evidences. — Little 
children,  it  is  the  last  time :  and  as  ye  have  heard  that  anti- 
christ shall  come,  even  now  are  there  many  antichrists  ;  where- 
by we  know  that  it  is  the  last  time.  1  have  not  written  unto 
you  because  ye  know  not  the  truth,  but  because  ye  know  it, 
and  that  no  lie  is  of  the  truth.  Who  is  a  liar  but  he  that  de- 
nieth  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ  ?  He  is  antichrist,  that  denieth 
the  Father  and  the  Son.-  Teaching  us,  that  denying  ungod- 
liness, and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  live  soberly,  righteously, 
and  godly,  in  this  present  world ;  Looking  for  that  blessed 
hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing  of  the  great  God,  and  our 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  1  John  2.  18,  21,  22.  Tit.  2.  12,  13. 
||  Jam.  2.  14—20. 

Justification, — Seeing  it  is  one  God  which  shall  justify  the 
circumcision  by  faith,  and  uncircumcision  through  faith.  Rom. 
3.30. 

Adoption, — For  ye  are  all  the  children  of  God  by  faith  in 
Christ  Jesus.    Gal.  3.  26. 

Sanctification, — To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from 
darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that 
they  may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among 
them  which  are  sanctified  by  faith  that  is  in  me.  Acts  26.  18. 

God^s  Love, — For  the  Father  himself  loveth  you,  because  ye 
have  loved  me,  and  have  believed  that  I  came  out  from  God. 
John  16.  27. 

Access  to  him  by  Prayer, — In  whom  we  have  boldness  and 
access  with  confidence  by  the  faith  of  him.    Eph.  3.  12. 

The  G-ift  of  the  Holy  Spirit, — He  that  believeth  on  me,  as  the 
scripture  hath  said,  out  of  his  belly  shall  flow  rivers  of  living 
water.  But  this  spake  he  of  the  Spirit,  which  they  that  be- 
lieve on  him  should  receive,  for  the  Holy  Ghost  was  not  yet 
given,  because  that  Jesus  was  not  yet  glorified.  John  7. 38,  39. 


113 

Heavenly  Light, — I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world,  that 
whosoever  believeth  on  me  should  not  abide  in  darkness. 
John  12.  46. 

Grace, — Simon  Peter,  a  servant  and  an  apostle  of  Jesus 
Christ,  to  them  that  have  obtained  like  precious  faith  with  us 
through  the  righteousness  of  God  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ : 
Grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  unto  you  through  the  know- 
ledge of  God,  and  of  Jesus  our  Lord.     2  Pet.  1.  1,  2. 

Joy  and  Peace, — Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy 
and  peace  in  believing,  that  ye  may  abound  in  hope,  through 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Rom.  15.  13. 

Jlnd  eternal  salvation,  are  connected  with,  or  promised  M  to  the 
faith  of  God?*  elect." — For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he 
gave  his  only-begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him, 
should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.  Lord,  I  believe  ; 
help  thou  mine  unbelief.     John  3.  16.  Mark  9.  24. 

Note  I. 
FREE  GRACE  is  manifested  %n  electsojv. 

Even  so  then  at  this  present  time  also  there  is  a  remnant 
-according  to  the  election  of  grace.  And  if  by  grace,  then  is  it 
no  more  of  works :  otherwise  grace  is  no  more  graca.  But 
if  it  be  of  works,  then  is  it  no  more  grace :  otherwise  work  is 
no  more  work.    Rom.  11.  5,  6. 

Effectual  calling, — Who  hath  saved  us,  and  called  us  with  a 
holy  calling,  not  according  to  our  works,  but  according  to  his 
own  purpose  and  grace,  which  was  given  us  in  Christ  Jesus 
before  the  world  began.-  But  when  it  pleased  God,  who 
separated  me  from  my  mother's  womb,  and  called  me  by  his 
grace,  To  reveal  his  Son  in  me,  that  I  might  preach  him 
among  the  heathen ;  immediately  I  conferred  not  with  flesh 
and  blood.-  But  the  God  of  all  grace,  who  hath  called  us 
unto  his  eternal  glory  by  Christ  Jesus,  after  that  ye  have  suf- 
fered awhile,  make  you  perfect,  establish,  strengthen,  settle 
you.    2  Tim.  1.  9.  Gal.  1.  15,  16.  1  Pet.  5.  10. 

Justification, — Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace,  through 
the  redemption  that  is  in  Jesus  Christ.     Rom.  3.  24. 

Remission  of  Sins, — In  whom  we  have  redemption  through 
his  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the  riches  of  his 
grace.     Eph  1.  7. 

Adoption, — Even  when  we  were  dead  in  sins,  hath  quicken- 
ed us  together  with  Christ ;  (by  grace  ye  are  saved  ;)  And 
hath  raised  us  up  together,  and  made  us  sit  together  in  hea- 
venly places,  in  Christ  Jesus.     Eph.  2.  5,  6. 

Sanctification  and  their  attendants  or  fruits. — And  God  is 
able  to  make  all  grace  abound  toward  you  ;  that  ye,  always 
K  2 


114 

having  all  sufficiency  in  all  things,  may  abound  to  every  good 
work.     2  Cor.  9.  8. 

In  faith, — And  when  he  was  disposed  to  pass  into  Achaia, 
the  brethren  wrote,  exhorting  the  disciples  to  receive  him : 
who,  when  he  was  come,  helped  them  much  which  had  6e- 
lieved  through  grace.     Acts  18.  27. 

Hope, — Mow  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself,  and  God,  even 
our  Father,  which  hath  loved  us,  and  hath  given  us  everlast- 
ing consolation  and  good  hope  through  grace.  2  The  b   2.  16. 

Prayer — And  I  will  pour  upon  the  house  of  David,  and  upon 
the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  the  spirit  of  grace  and  of  sup- 
plications ;  and  they  shall  look  upon  me  whom  they  have 
pierced,  and  they  shall  mourn  for  him,  as  one  mourneth  for  his 
only  son,  and  shall  be  in  bitterness  for  him,  as  one  that  is  in 
bitterness  for  his  first-born.     Zech.  12.  10. 

And  Praise. — Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in 
all  wisdom  ;  teaching  and  admonishing  one  another  in  psalms, 
and  hymns,  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your 
hearts  to  the  Lord.     Col.  3.  16. 

Indeed ;  salvation,  from  the  foundation  to  the  headstone,  is 
entirely  of  GRACE. — But  God,  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  for  his 
great  love  wherewith  he  loved  us,  Even  when  we  were  dead  in 
sins,  hath  quickened  us  together  with  Christ ;  (by  grace  ye  are 
saved ;)  And  hath  raised  us  up  together,  and  made  us  sit 
together  in  heavenly  places,  in  Christ  Jesus :  That  in  the  ages 
to  come  he  might  shew  the  exceeding  riches  of  his  grace  in 
his  kindness  toward  us,  through  Christ  Jesus.  For  by  grace 
are  ye  saved,  through  faith  ;  and  that  not  of  yourselves  :  it  is 
the  gift  of  God.-  Who  art  thou,  O  great  mountain  ?  before 
Zerubbabel  thou  shalt  become  a  plain :  and  he  shall  bring 
forth  the  headstone  thereof  with  shoutings,  crying,  Grace, 
grace,  unto  it.  Eph.  2.  4 — 8.  Zech.  4.  7. 

Note  K. 
REGENERATION. 

Correct  information  respecting  the  Author, — Blessed  be  the 
God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  which,  according  to 
his  abundant  mercy,  hath  begotten  us  again  unto  a  lively  hope 
by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead.-  But  as 
many  as  received  h;m,  to  them  gave  he  power  to  become  the 
sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his  name :  Which 
were  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flesh,  nor  of  the 
will  of  man,  but  of  God-  So  then,  it  is  not  of  him  that  willeth, 
nor  of  him  that  runneth,  but  of  God  that  sheweth  mercy.  1 
Pet.  1.  3.  John  1.  12,  13.  Rom.  9.  16. 


115 

Means, — But  we  are  bound  to  give  thanks  always  to  God 
for  you,  brethren  beloved  of  the  Lord,  because  God  hath  from 
the  beginning  chosen  you  to  salvation,  through  sanctification  of 
the  Spirit,  and  belief  of  the  truth.-  Being  born  again,  not  of 
corruptible  seed,  but  of  incorruptible,  by  the  word  of  god, 
which  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever.-  Of  his  own  will  begat  he 
us  with  the  word  of  truth,  that  we  should  be  a  kind  of 
first-fruits  of  his  creatures.  2  Thes.  2.  13.  1  Pet.  1.  23.  Jam. 
1.  18. 

Design, — This  people  have  I  formed  for  myself ;  they  shall 
shew  forth  my  praise.-  According  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him, 
before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we  should  be  holy  and 
without  blame  before  him  in  love.-  For  we  are  his  workman- 
ship, created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works,  which  God  hath 
before  ordained  that  we  should  walk  in  them.  Is.  43.  21.  Kph. 
1.  4.  and  2.  10. 

And  Evidences, — For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of 
God,  they  are  the  sons  of  God.  The  Spirit  itself  beareth  wit- 
ness with  our  spirit,  that  we  are  the  children  of  God.-  He  that 
hath  my  commandments,  and  keepeth  them,  he  it  is  that  loveth 
me  :  and  he  that  loveth  me,  shall  be  loved  of  my  Father,  and 

1  will  love  him,  and  will  manifest  myself  to  him.-  In  this  the 
children  of  God  are  manifest,  and  the  children  of  the  devil  - 
whosoever  doeth  not  righteousness  is  not  of  God,  neither  he 
that  loveth  not  his  brother.  We  know  that  we  have  passed 
from  death  unto  life,  because  we  love  the  brethren.  He  that 
loyeth  not  his  brother,  abideth  in  death.  Rom.  8.  14,  16.  John 
14.  21.  1  John  3.  10,  14. 

Of  instantaneous, — For  God,  who  commanded  the  light  to 
shine  out  of  darkness,  hath  shined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the 
light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus 
•Christ.-  No  man  can  serve  two  masters  :  for  either  he  will  hate 
the  one,  and  love  the  other  ;  or  else  he  will  hold  to  the  one. 
and  despise  the  other.     Ye  cannot  serve  God  and  mammon 

2  Cor.  4.  6,  Mat.  6.  24. 

REGENERATION  is  immensely  important. 

Note  L. 
Saints'1  perseverance  proved  from  the  nature  of  Divine  love. 

"  God  is  love." — He  that  loveth  not,  knoweth  not  God  ;  for 
God  is  love.     1  John  4.  8. 

His  love  to  his  people  is  sovereign, — For  the  children  being 
not  yet  born,  neither  having  done  any  good  or  evil,  that  the 
purpose  of  God,   according  to   election  might  stand,  not  of 


116 

works,  but  of  him  that  calleth  ;  It  was  said  unto  her,  The  elder 
shall  serve  the  younger.  As  it  is  written,  Jacob  have  I  loved, 
but  Esau  have  I  hated.-  For  thou  art  a  holy  people  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God  :  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  chosen  thee  to  be  a 
special  people  unto  himself,  above  all  people  that  are  upon  the 
face  of  the  earth.  The  Lord  did  not  set  his  love  upon  you,  nor 
choose  you,  because  ye  were  more  in  number  than  any  people  ; 
for  ye  were  the  fewest  of  all  people  :  But  because  the  Lord 
loved  you,  and  because  he  would  keep  the  oath  which  he  had 
sworn  unto  your  fathers,  hath  the  Lord  brought  you  out  with 
a  mighty  hand,  and  redeemed  you  out  of  the  house  of  bond- 
men, from  the  hand  of  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt.  Rom.  9.  11 — 13. 
Deut.  7.  6—8. 

Free, — I  will  heal  their  backsliding,  I  will  love  them  freely  • 
for  mine  anger  is  turned  away  from  him.     Hos.  14.  4. 

Undeserved, — Not  for  your  sakes  do  I  this,  saith  the  Lord 
God,  be  it  known  unto  you  :  be  ashamed  and  confounded  for 
your  own  ways,  O  house  of  Israel.     Ez.  36.  32. 

Everlasting,'— The  Lord  hath  appeared  of  old  unto  me,  say- 
ing, Yea,  I  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love  :  therefore 
with  loving-kindness  have  I  drawn  thee.     Jer.  31.  3. 

Inexpressible, — For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his 
only-begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  belie  veth  in  him,  should  not 
perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.     John  3. 16. 

Inconceivable, — And  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  pass- 
eth  knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of 
God.     Eph.  3.  19. 

Infinite, — But  God  commendeth  his  love  toward  us,  in  that 
while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  Rom.  5.  8. 

Complacent, — Rejoicing  in  the  habitable  part  of  his  earth  ; 
and  my  delights  were  with  the  sons  of  men.     Prov.  8.  31. 

And  Immutable. — Now  before  the  feast  of  the  passover, 
when  Jesus  knew  that  his  hour  was  come  that  he  should  de- 
part out  of  this  world  unto  the  Father,  having  loved  his  own 
which  were  in  the  world,  he  loved  them  unto  the  end.-  For  1 
am  persuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor 
principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present,  nor  things  to 
come,  Nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creatuje,  shall  be 
able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord.-  But  ye  believe  not,  because  ye  are  not  of  my 
sheep,  as  I  said  unto  you.  My  sheep  hear  my  voice,  and  I 
know  them,  and  they  follow  me  :  And  I  give  unto  them  eternal 
life  ;  an d#  they  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  pluck  them 
out  of  my  hand.  My  Father,  which  gave  them  me,  is  greater 
than  all ;  and  none  is  able  to  pluck  them  out  of  my  Father's 
hand.    John  13.  1.  Rom.  8.  38,  39  John  10.  26—29. 


117 

Note  M. 

The  Scriptures  strikingly  contrast  the  CARNAL  and  SPIRI- 
TUAL mind. 

For  they  that  are  after  the  flesh,  do  mind  the  things  of  the 
flesh :  but  they  that  are  after  the  Spirit,  the  things  of  the  Spirit.— 
But  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things  of  the  Spirit  of 
God  :  for  they  are  foolishness  unto  him :  neither  can  he  know 
them,  because  they  are  spiritually  discerned.-  For  many  walk, 
of  whom  I  have  told  you  often,  and  now  tell  you  even  weeping, 
that  they  are  the  enemies  of  the  cross  of  Christ :  Whose  end  is 
destruction,  whose  God  is  their  belly,  and  whose  glory  is  in 
their  shame,  who  mind  earthly  things.-  Now  the  works  of  the 
flesh  are  manifest,  which  are  these,  Adultery,  fornication,  un- 
cleanness,  lasciviousness,  idolatry,  witchcraft,  hatred,  variance, 
emulations,  wrath,  strife,  seditions,  heresies,  envyings,  murders, 
drunkenness,  revellings,  and  such  like  :  of  the  which  I  tell  you 
before,  as  I  have  also  told  you  in  time  past,  that  they  which 
do  such  things  shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God.-  But  he 
that  is  spiritual  judgeth  all  things,  yet  he  himself  is  judged  oi 
no  man.-  For  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit,  is  in  all  goodness,  and 
righteousness,  and  truth.-  But  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love, 
joy,  peace,  long-suffering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness, 
temperance:  against  such  there  is  no  law.  And  they  that  are 
Christ's  have  crucified  the  flesh,  with  the  affections  and  lusts. 
If  we  live  in  the  Spirit,  let  us  also  walk  in  the  Spirit.  Let  us 
not  be  desirous  of  vain-glory,  provoking  one  another,  envying 
one  another.  This  I  say  then,  Walk  in  the  Spirit,  and  ye 
shall  not  fulfil  the  lust  of  the  flesh.  For  the  flesh  lusteth 
against  the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit  against  the  flesh  :  and  these 
are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other ;  so  that  ye  cannot  do  the 
things  that  ye  would.  Rom.  8.  5.  1  Cor.  2.  14.  Phil.  3.  18* 
19.  Gal.  5.  19—21.  1  Cor.  2.  15.  Eph.  5.  9.  Gal.  5.  22—26, 
16, 17. 

And  the  consequences  of  being  carnally-minded  or  spiritually- 
minded. — Because  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God; 
for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be. 
So  then  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God.  But  ye 
are  not  in  the  flesh,  but  in  the  Spirit,  if  so  be  that  the  Spirit  of 
God  dwell  in  you.  Now,  if  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of 
Christ,  he  is  none  of  his.  And  if  Christ  be  in  you,  the  body  is 
dead  because  of  sin  ;  but  the  Spirit  is  life  because  of  righteous- 
ness. Therefore,  brethren,  we  are  debtors  not  to  the  flesh,  to 
live  after  the  flesh.  For  if  ye  live  after  the  flesh,  ye  shall  die  . 
but  if  ye  through  the  Spirit  do  mortify  the  deeds  of  the  body, 
ye  shall  live.     For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God, 


118 

they  are  the  sons  of  God.-  But  God  be  thanked,  that  ye  were 
the  servants  of  sin  ;  but  ye  have  obeyed  from  the  heart  that 
form  of  doctrine  which  was  delivered  you.  Being  then  made 
free  from  sin,  ye  became  the  servants  of  righteousness.  I  speak 
after  the  manner  of  men,  because  of  the  infirmity  of  your  flesh : 
for  as  ye  have  yielded  your  members  servants  to  uncleanness 
and  to  iniquty,  unto  iniquity ;  even  so  now  yield  your  members 
servants  to  righteousness,  unto  holiness.  For  when  ye  were 
the  servants  of  sin,  ye  were  free  from  righteousness.  What 
fruit  had  ye  then  in  those  things  whereof  ye  are  now  ashamed  ? 
for  the  end  of  those  things  is  death.  But  now  being  made 
free  from  sin,  and  become  servants  to  God,  ye  have  your  fruit 
unto  holiness,  and  the  end  everlasting  life.     For  the  wages 

OF  SIN  IS    DEATH  :    but    THE    GIFT  OF    GoD  IS    ETERNAL  LIFE, 

through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Rom.  8.  7 — 10,  12 — 14.  and  6. 
17—23.  ||  and  7.  5,  6,  21,  23. 

Note  N. 

UN.  B.  The  preparation  required  to  the  acceptable  receiv- 
ing the  Lord's  Supper,  are  those  same  qualifications,  that  are 
required  in  acceptable  prayer.  The  sins  for  which  men  ought 
to  be  excluded  from  this  ordinance,  are  the  same  sins  persisted 
in,  for  which  the  sacred  Scriptures  allow  that  they  should  be 
excluded  from  Christian  society,  and  declare  that  such  shall  be 
excluded  from  the  kingdom  of  heaven.1'  gaston. 

Note  O. 

The  infinite  compassion^Tand  unparalleled  love  of  our  Divine, 
incarnate,  suffering,  bleeding,  and  expiring  Redeemer,  are 
themes  of  meditation  adapted  to  this  important,  solemn,  inter- 
esting, and  soul-iefreshing  ordinance. 

Note  P. 
ANGELS  are  in  their  nature  superior  to  men, 

For  thou  hast  made  him  a  little  lower  than  the  angels,  and 
hast  crowned  him  with  glory  and  honour.     Ps.  8.  5. 

Their  number— The  chariots  of  God  are  twenty  thousand, 
even  thousands  of  angels  :  the  Lord  is  among  them,  as  in  Sinai, 
in  the  holy  place.-  A  fiery  stream  issued  and  came  forth  from 
before  him :  thousand  thousands  ministered  unto  him,  and  ten 
thousand  times  ten  thousand  stood  before  him  :  the  judgment 
was  set,  and  the  books  were  opened.-  But  ye  are  come  unto 
Mount  Zion,  and  unto  the  city  of  the  living  God,  the  heavenly 
Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  company  of  angels.  Ps.  68. 
17.  Dan.  7.  10.  Heb.  12.  22. 


119 

And  names. — Above  it  stood  the  seraphims :  each  one  had 
six  wings  ;  with  twain  he  covered  his  face,  and  with  twain  he 
covered  his  feet,  and  with  twain  he  did  fly.-  Which  he  wrought 
in  Christ,  when  he  raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  at  his 
own  right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places,  Far  above  all  princi- 
pality, and  power,  and  might,  and  dominion,  and  every  name 
that  is  named,  not  only  in  this  world,  but  also  in  that  which  is 
to  come.-  For  by  him  were  all  things  created,  that  are  in 
heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether 
they  be  thrones,  or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers  :  all 
things  were  created  by  him,  and  for  him.-  Who  is  gone  into 
heaven,  and  is  on  the  right  hand  of  God  ;  angels,  and  author- 
ities, and  powers  being  made  subject  unto  him.  Is.  6.  2.  Eph. 
1.  20,  21.  Col.  1.  16.  1  Pet.  3.  22. 

They  are  elect — I  charge  thee  before  God,  and  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  the  elect  angels,  that  thou  observe  these 
things,  without  preferring  one  before  another,  doing  nothing  by 
partiality.     1  Tim.  5.  21. 

Holy — The  same  shall  drink  of  the  wine  of  the  wrath  of 
God,  which  is  poured  out  without  mixture  into  the  cup  of  his 
indignation  ;  and  he  shall  be  tormented  with  fire  and  brimstone 
in  the  presence  of  the  holy  angels,  and  in  the  presence  of  the 
Lamb.     Rev.  14.  10. 

Spirits, — And  of  the  angels  he  saith,  Who  maketh  his  angels 
spirits,  and  his  ministers  aflame  of  fire.     Heb.  1.  7. 

Excelling  in  strength, — Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that 
excel  in  strength,  that  do  his  commandments,  -hearkening  unto 
the  voice  of  his  word.     Ps.  103.  20. 

In  wisdom — To  fetch  about  this  form  of  speech  hath  thy  ser- ' 
vant  Joab  done  this  thing :  and  my  Lord  is  wise,  according  to 
the  wisdom  of  an  angel  of  God,  to  know  all  things  that  are  in 
the  earth.     2  Sam.  14.  20. 

And  in  utterance. — Though  I  speak  with  the  tongues  of  men 
and  of  angels,  and  have  not  charity,  I  am  become  as  sounding 
brass,  or  a  tinkling  cymbal.     1  Cor.  13.  1. 

They  contemplate  Gospel  mystei  ies, — Unto  whom  it  was  re- 
vealed, that  not  unto  themselves,  but  unto  us  they  did  minister 
the  things  which  are  now  reported  unto  you  by  them  that  have 
preached  the  gospel  unto  you,  with  the  Holy  Ghost  sent  down 
from  heaven  ;  which  things  the  angels  desire  tc  look  into.-  To 
the  intent  that  now  unto  the  principalities  and  powers  in  hea- 
venly places  might  be  known  by  the  church  the  manifold  wis- 
dom of  God.     1  Pet.  1.  12.  Eph.  3.  10. 

Reveal  God's  will, — And  he  said  unto  me,  O  Daniel,  a  man 
greatly  beloved,  understand  the  words  that  I  speak  unto  thee, 
and  stand  upright :  for  unto  thee  am  I  now  sent.     And  when 


120 

he  had  spoken  this  word  unto  me,  1  stood  trembling.-  Then 
said  T,  O  my  Lord,  what  are  these  ?  And  the  angel  that  talked 
with  me  said  unto  me.  I  will  shew  thee  what  these  be.  Dan. 
10.  11.  Zech.  1.  9. 

And  rejoice  at  the  conversion  of  sinners. — Likewise,  I  say 
unto  you,  There  is  joy  in  the  presence  of  the  angels  of  God 
over  one  sinner  that  repenteth.     Luke  15.  10. 

They  minister  to  saints, — Are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits, 
sent  forth  to  minister  for  them  who  shall  be  heirs  of  salvation  ? 
Heb.  1.  14. 

And  inflict  judgments  on  the  wicked. — He  cast  upon  them 
the  fierceness  of  his  anger,  wrath,  and  indignation,  and  trouble, 
by  sending  evil  angels  among  them.     Ps.  78.  49. 

They  ministered  to  Jesus  on  earth, — Then  the  devil  leaveth 
him,  and  behold,  angels  came  and  ministered  unto  him.  Mat. 
4.  11. 

And  will  attend  him  in  the  Judgment. — And  to  you,  who  are 
troubled,  rest  with  us,  when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed 
from  heaven  with  his  mighty  angels.     2  Thes.  1.  7. 

They  worship  the  Father, — And  one  cried  unto  another,  and 
said,  Holy,  holy,  holy,  is  the  Lord  of  hosts  :  the  whole  earth  is 
full  of  his  glory.     Is.  6.  3. 

And  the  Son. — And  again,  when  he  bringeth  in  the  first-be- 
gotten into  the  world,  he  saith,  And  let  all  the  angels  of  God 
worship  him.-  And  I  beheld,  and  I  heard  the  voice  of  many 
angels  round  about  the  throne,  and  the  beasts,  and  the  elders  r 
and  the  number  of  them  was  ten  thousand  times  ten  thousandr 
and  thousands  of  thousands  ;  Saying  with  a  loud  voice,  Worthy 
is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and 
wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  bkssing. 
Heb.  1.  6.  Rev.  5.  11,  12. 

Note  Q. 
THE  LORD'S  PRAYER  Illustrated. 

Our  Father, 

Doubtless  thou  art  our  Father,  though  Abraham  be  ignorant 
of  us,  and  Israel  acknowledge  us  not :  thou,  O  Lord,  art  our 
Father,  our  Redeemer;  thy  name  is  from  everlasting.  Is, 
63.  16. 

By  right  of  creation, — Have  we  not  all  one  Father  ?  hath 
not  one  God  created  us  ?  why  do  we  deal  treacherously  every 
man  against  his  brother,  by  profaning  the  covenant  of  our 
fathers  ?     Mai.  2.  10. 

By  bountiful  provision, — Thou  openest  thine  hand,  and  satis- 
fiest  the  desire  of  every  living  thing.     Ps.  145.  16. 

By  gracious  adoption. — Having  predestinated  us  unto  the 


121 

adoption  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  according  to 
the  good  pleasure  of  his  will.    Eph.  1.  5. 
Who  art  in  heaven, 

Hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwelling-place,  and  do  according 
to  all  that  the  stranger  calleth  to  thee  for  :  that  all  people  of 
the  earth  may  know  thy  name,  to  fear  thee,  as  do  thy  people 
Israel  ;  and  that  they  may  know  that  this  house  which  1  have 
buildedis  called  by  thy  name.      1  Kings  8.  43. 

The  throne  of  thy  glory, — Thus  saith  the  Lord,  The  heaven 
is  my  throne,  and  the  earth  is  my  footstool :  where  is  the  house 
that  ye  built  unto  me  ?  and  where  is  the  place  of  my  rest  ? 
Is.  66.  1. 

The  portion  of  thy  children, — To  an  inheritance  incorrupti- 
ble, and  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away,  reserved  in 
heaven  for  you.     1  Pet.  1.  4. 

The  temple  of  thy  angels. — In  the  year  that  king  Uzziah  died 
I  saw  also  the  Lord  sitting  upon  a  throne,  high  and  lifted  up, 
and  his  train  filled  the  temple.     Is.  6.  1. 
Hallowed  be  thy  name. 

Not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name  give 
glory,  for  thy  mercy,  and  for  thy  truth's  sake.     Ps.  115.  2. 

By  the  thoughts  of  our  hearts. — Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord ; 
I  will  walk  in  thy  truth :  unite  my  heart  to  fear  thy  name. 
Ps.  86.  11. 

By  the  words  of  our  lips, — O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my 
mouth  shall  shew  forth  thy  praise.     Ps.  51.  15. 

By  the  works  of  our  hands. — Whether  therefore  ye  eatT  or 
drink,  or  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God.  1  Cor 
10.  31. 

Thy  kingdom  come. 

The  Lord  shall  send  the  rod  of  thy  strength  out  -of  Zion : 
rule  thou  in  the  midst  of  thine  enemies.     Ps.  1 10.  2. 

Of  providence  to  defend  us, — Keep  me  as  the  apple  of  the 
eye,  hide  me  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings.     Ps.  17.  8^ 

Of  grace  to  refine  us, — And  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify 
you  wholly  ;  and  I  pray  God  your  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and 
body,  be  preserved  blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.     1  Thes.  5.  23. 

Of  glory  to  crown  us. — When  Christ,  who  is  our  life,  shall 
appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with  him  in  glory.    Col.  3.  4. 
Thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven. 

And  when  he  would  not  be  persuaded,  we  ceased,  saying, 
The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.     Acts  21.  14. 

Towards  us  without  resistance, — And  Samuel  told  him  every 
whit,  and  hid  nothing  from  him.     And  he  said,  It  is  th«  Lord 
let  him  do  what  seemeth  bim  good.     1  Sam.  3.  18. 
I* 


122 

By  us  without  compulsion, — Incline  my  heart  unto  thy  testi- 
monies, and  not  to  covetousness.     Ps.  119.  36. 

Universally  without  exception. — And  they  were  both  right- 
eous before  God,  walking  in  all  the  commandments  and 
ordinances  of  the  Lord  blameless.     Luke  1.  6. 

Eternally  without  declension. — I  will  never  forget  thy  pre- 
cepts :  for  with  them  thou  hast  quickened  me.  I  have  inclined 
mine  heart  to  perform  thy  statutes  always,  even  unto  the  end. 
Ps.  119.93,  112. 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread. 

Of  necessity,  for  our  bodies, — Remove  far  from  me  vanity 
and  lies  ;  give  me  neither  poverty  nor  riches  ;  feed  me  with 
food  convenient  for  me.     Prov.  30.  8. 

Of  eternal  life,  for  our  souls. — For  the  bread  of  God  is  he 
which  cometh  down  from  heaven,  and  giveth  life  unto  the 
world.  Then  said  they  unto  him,  Lord,  evermore  give  us  this 
bread.  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  I  am  the  bread  of  life  :  he 
that  cometh  to  me,  shall  never  hunger ;  and  he  that  believeth 
on  me,  shall  never  thirst.  John  6.  33 — 35. 
And  forgive  us  our  trespasses, 

For  thy  name's  sake,  O  Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity ;  for  it  is 
great.     Ps.  25.  11. 

Against  the  commands  of  thy  law, — Whosoever  committeth 
sin  transgresseth  also  the  law ;  for  sin  is  the  transgression  of 
the  law.     1  John  3.  4. 

•Against  the  grace  of  thy  Gospel. — Who  was  before  ablasphe- 
mer>  and  a  persecutor,  and  injurious :  but  I  obtained  mercy, 
because  I  did  ft  ignorantly  in  unbelief.     1  Tim.  1.  13. 

AS  WE  FORGIVE  THEM  THAT  TRESPASS  AGAINST  US. 

But  if  ye  forgive  not  men  their  trespasses,  neither  will  your 
Father  forgive  your  trespasses.     Mat.  6.  15. 

By  defaming  our  characters, — Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall 
revile  you,  and  persecute  you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil 
against  you  falsely,  for  my  sake.     Mat.  5. 11. 

By  embezzling  our  property, — If  he  hath  wronged  thee,  or 
oweth  thee  aught,  put  that  on  mine  account.    Philem.  18. 

By  abusing  our  persons. — And  he  kneeled  down  and  cried 
with  a  loud  voice,  Lord,  lay  not  this  sin  to  their  charge.  And 
when  he  had  said  this,  he  fell  asleep.     Acts  7.  60. 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us 
from  evil. 

Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation:  the 
spirit  indeed  is  willing,  but  the  flesh  is  weak.  Mat.  26.  41. 

Of  overwhelming  affliction, — Out  of  the  depths  have  I  cried 
unto  thee,  O  Lord.     Ps.  130.  1. 

Of  worldly  enticements, — Love  not  the  world,  neither  the 


123 

things  that  are  in  the  world.     If  any  man  love  the  world,  the 
love  of  the  Father  is  not  in  him.     1  John  2.  15. 

Of  Safaris  devices, — Moreover,  he  must  have  a  good  report 
of  them  which  are  without ;  lest  he  fall  into  reproach  and  the 
snare  of  the  devil.     1  Tim.  3.  7. 

Of  errors  seduction, — For  the  love  of  money  is  the  root  of 
all  evil :  which  while  some  coveted  after,  they  have  erred 
from  the  faith,  and  pierced  themselves  through  with  many 
sorrows.     1  Tim.  6.  10. 

Of  sinful  affections. — For  this  cause  God  gave  them  up  unto 
vile  affections.  For  even  their  women  did  change  the  natural 
use  into  that  which  is  against  nature.     Rom.  1.  26. 

For    thine  is  the  kingdom,  and   the    power,   and 
the  glory,  for  ever. 

To  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty, 
dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  ever.  Amen.     Jude  25. 

Thy  kingdom  governs  all, — The  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne 
in  the  heavens;  and  his  kingdom  ruleth  over  all.     Ps.  103.  19. 

Thy  power  subdues  all, — Who  shall  change  our  vile  body, 
that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious  body,  according 
to  the  working  whereby  he  is  able  even  to  subdue  all  things 
unto  himself.     Phil.  3.  21. 

Thy  glory  is  above  all. — Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the 
Lord  :  for  his  name  alone  is  excellent  ;  his  glory  is  above  the 
earth  and  heaven.     Ps.  148.  13. 
*      AMEN. 

In  whom  also  we  have  obtained  an  inheritance,  being  pre- 
destinated according  to  the  purpose  of  him  who  worketh  all 
things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will.     Eph.  1.11. 

As  it  is  in  thy  purposes, — For  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  purposed, 
and  who  shall  disannul  it  ?  and  his  hand  is  stretched  out,  and 
who  shall  turn  it  back  ?  Is.  14.  27. 

So  it  is  in  thy  promises, — For  all  the  promises  of  God  in  him 
are  yea,  and  in  him  Amen,  unto  the  glory  of  God  by  us. 
2  Cor.  1.  20. 

So  be  it  in  our  prayers, — He  which  testifieth  these  things 
saith,  Surely  I  come  quickly :  Amen.  Even  so,  come,  Lord 
Jesus.     Rev.  22.  20. 

So  it  shall  be  to  thy  praise. — And  the  four  and  twenty  elders 
and  the  four  beasts  fell  down  and  worshipped  God  that  sat  on 
the  throne,  saying,  Amen  ;  Alleluia.     Rev.  19.  4. 

Fanch.  from  Bernard's  Thesaurus. 

Note  R. 
The  certainty  that  promised  blessings  will  be  received,  quicken* 
real  Christians  to  pray  for  them. 

In  the  first  year  of  Darius  the  son  of  Ahasuerus,  of  the  seed 


124 

of  the  Medes,  which  was  made  king  over  the  realm  of  the 
Chaldeans ;  In  the  first  year  of  his  reign  I  Daniel  understood 
by  books  the  number  of  the  years,  whereof  the  word  of  the 
Lord  came  to  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  that  he  would  accomplish 
seventy  years  in  the  desolation  of  Jerusalem.  And  I  set  my 
face  unto  the  Lord  God,  to  seek  by  prayer  and  supplications, 
with  fasting,  and  sackcloth,  and  ashes.-  And  I  will  pray  the 
Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  another  Comforter,  that  he  may 
abide  with  you  for  ever ;  Even  the  Spirit  of  truth ;  Whom  the 
world  cannot  receive,  because  it  seeth  him  not,  neither  know 
eth  him :  but  ye  know  him ;  for  he  dwelleth  with  you,  and 
shall  be  in  yon.  But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost, 
whom  the  Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall  teach  you  all 
things,  and  bring  all  things  to  your  remembrance,  whatsoever 
I  have  said  unto  you.-  But  when  the  Comforter  is  come, 
whom  I  will  send  unto  you  from  the  Father,  even  the  Spirit  of 
truth,  which  proceedeth  from  the  Father,  he  shall  testify  of 
me.-  Nevertheless,  I  tell  you  the  truth :  It  is  expedient  for 
you  that  I  go  away :  for  if  I  go  not  away,  the  Comforter  will 
not  come  unto  you  ;  but  if  I  depart,  I  will  send  him  unto  you. 
Howbeit,  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth  is  come,  he  will  guide 
you  into  all  truth :  for  he  shall  not  speak  of  himself ;  but  what- 
soever he  shall  hear,  that  shall  he  speak :  and  he  will  shew 
you  things  to  come.  Dan.  9.  1 — 3.  John  14.  16,  17,  26.  and 
15.  26.  and  16.  7,  13. 

Compared  with. — These  all  continued  with  one  accord  in 
prayer  and  supplication,  with  the  women,  and  Mary  the  mo- 
ther of  Jesus,  and  with  his  brethren.-  And  they  were  all  filled 
with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  began  to  speak  with  other  tongues, 
as  the  Spirit  gave  them  utterrance.     Acts  1    14.  and  2.  4. 

Note  S. 
We  are  directed  to  pray  frequently, 

And  when  they  were  come  in,  they  went  up  into  an  upper 
room,  where  abode  both  Peter,  and  James,  and  John,  and  An- 
drew, Philip,  and  Thomas,  Bartholomew,  and  Matthew,  James 
the  son  of  Alpheus,  and  Simon  Zelotes,  and  Judas  the  brother 
of  James.  These  all  continued  with  one  accord  in  prayer  and 
supplication,  with  the  women,  and  Mary  the  mother  of  Jesus, 
and  with  his  brethren.-  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his 
word,  were  baptized :  and  the  same  day  there  were  added  unto 
them  about  three  thousand  souls.  And  they  continued  stead- 
fastly in  the  apostles*  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking 
of  bread,  and  in  prayers.-  Rejoicing  in  hope  ;  patient  in  tribu- 


125 

lation ;  continuing  instant  in  prayer.     Acts  1.  13,  14.  and  2. 
41,  42.  Rom.  12.  12. 

Fervently, — But  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand  :  be  ye  there- 
fore sober,  and  watch  unto  prayer.-  Night  and  day  praying  ex- 
ceedingly that  we  might  see  your  face,  and  might  perfect 
that  which  is  lacking  in  your  faith.-  Who  in  the  days  of  his 
flesh,  when  he  had  offered  up  prayers  and  supplications  with 
strong  crying  and  tears  unto  him  that  was  able  to  save  him  from 
death,  and  was  heard  in  that  he  feared.  1  Pet.  4.  7.  1  Thes. 
3.  10.  Heb.  5.  7. 

And  perseveringly. — And  he  spake  a  parable  unto  them  to 
this  end,  that  men  ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to  faint.- 
Continue  in  prayer,  and  watch  in  the  same  with  thanksgiving.- 
Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in  the  Spirit, 
and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  supplication 
for  all  saints.     Luke  18.  1.  Col.  4.  2.  Eph  6.  18. 

With  suitable  affections  and  conduct  toward  God  and  toward 
men. 

With  Faith, — But  without  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  him : 
for  he  that  cometh  to  God  must  believe  that  he  is,  and  that  he 
is  a  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  seek  him.-  And  all  things 
whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  prayer,  believing,  ye  shall  receive.- 
If  ye  abide  in  me,  and  my  words  abide  in  you,  ye  shall  ask 
what  ye  will,  and  it  shall  be  done  unto  you.  Heb.  11.  6.  Mat. 
21.  22.  John  15.  7. 

Sincerity, — And  ye  shall  seek  me,  and  find  me,  when  ye  shall 
search  for  me  with  all  your  heart.-  Let  us  lift  up  our  heart 
with  our  hands  unto  God  in  the  heavens.-  The  Lord  is  nigh 
unto  all  them  that  call  upon  him,  to  all  that  call  upon  him  in 
truth.     Jer.  29.  13.  Lam.  3.  41.  Ps.  145.  18. 

Supreme  Love, — Because  he  hath  set  his  love  upon  me,  there- 
fore will  I  deliver  him :  I  will  set  him  on  high,  because  he  hath 
known  my  name.  He  shall  call  upon  me,  and  I  will  answer 
him :  I  will  be  with  him  in  trouble ;  I  will  deliver  him,  and 
honour  him.-  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him,  If  a  man  love 
me,  he  will  keep  my  words  :  and  my  Father  will  love  him,  and 
we  will  come  unto  him,  and  make  our  abode  with  him.  Fs. 
91.  14,  15.  John  14.  23. 

Filial  fear, — He  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that  fear  him : 
he  also  will  hear  their  cry,  and  will  save  them.-  Now  unto 
him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that 
we  ask  or  think,  according  to  the  power  that  worketh  in  us, 
Unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church  by  Christ  Jesus  throughout  all 
ages,  world  without  end.  Amen.  Ps.  145.  19.  Eph.  3.  20,  21. 
Penitence, — If  my  people,  which  are  called  by  my  name, 
shall  humble  themselves,  and  pray,  and  seek  my  face,  and 
L2 


126 

turn  from  their  wicked  ways  ;  then  will  I  hear  from  heaven, 
and  will  forgive  their  sin,  and  will  heal  their  land.-  Lord,  thou 
hast  heard  the  desire  of  the  humble :  thou  wilt  prepare  their 
heart,  thou  wilt  cause  thine  ear  to  hear.  2  Chron.  7.  14.  Ps. 
10.  17. 

Submission, — And  he  was  withdrawn  from  them  about  a 
stone's  cast,  and  kneeled  down,  and  prayed,  Saying,  Father,  if 
thou  be  willing,  remove  this  cup  from  me  :  nevertheless,  not 
my  will,  but  thine,  be  done.-  And  this  is  the  confidence  that 
we  have  in  him,  that  if  we  ask  any  thing  according  to  his  will, 
he  heareth  us.     Luke  22.  41,  42.  1  John  5.  14. 

Obedience, — Now  we  know  that  God  heareth  not  sinners : 
but  if  any  man  be  a  worshipper  of  God,  and  doeth  his  will, 
him  he  heareth.-  And  whatsoever  we  ask,  we  receive  of  him, 
because  we  keep  his  commandments,  and  do  those  things  that 
are  pleasing  in  his  sight.     John  9.  31.  1  John  3.  22. 

Forgiveness, — And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our 
debtors.  For,  if  ye  forgive  men  their  trespasses,  your  heavenly 
father  will  also  forgive  you  :  But  if  ye  forgive  not  men  their 
trespasses,  neither  will  your  Father  forgive  your  trespasses.-  I 
will  therefore  that  men  pray  every  where,  lifting  up  holy  hands, 
without  wrath  and  doubting.     Mat.  6.  12,  14,  15.  1  Tim.  2.  8. 

Jlnd  alms-giving. — Then  shalt  thou  call,  and  the  Lord  shall 
answer ;  thou  shalt  cry,  and  he  shall  say,  Here  I  am.  If  thou 
take  away  from  the  midst  of  thee  the  yoke,  the  putting  forth 
of  the  finger,  and  speaking  vanity  ;  And  if  thou  draw  out  thy 
soul  to  the  hungry,  and  satisfy  the  afflicted  soul ;  then  shall 
thy  light  rise  in  obscurity,  and  thy  darkness  be  as  the  noon-day .- 
There  was  a  certain  man  in  Cesarea,  called  Cornelius,  a  cen- 
turion of  the  band  called  the  Italian  band,  A  devout  man,  and 
one  that  feared  God  with  all  his  house,  which  gave  much  alms 
to  the  people,  and  prayed  to  God  always.  He  saw  in  a  vision 
evidently,  about  the  ninth  hour  of  the  day,  an  angel  of  God 
coming  in  to  him,  and  saying  unto  him,  Cornelius.  And  when 
he  looked  on  him,  he  was  afraid,  and  said,  What  is  it,  Lord  ? 
And  he  said  unto  him,  Thy  prayers  and  thine  alms  are  come  up 
for  a  memorial  before  God.  Is.  58.  9,  10.  Acts  10.  1 — 4. 
Read  with  devout  attention  the  appropriate  prayer  o/Agur,  Prov. 

30. 7 — 9.  and  the  impressive  prayers  of  David,  Ps.  51.  Sec.  and 

Solomon.  1  Kin.  8.  22—62. 

Note  T. 

"  It  chills  my  blood  to  hear  the  blest  stjpremk, 
"  Rudely  appeal'd  to,  on  each  trifling  theme. 
M  Maintain  your  rank,  vulgarity  despise, 
"  To  swear  is  neither  brave,  polite,  nor  wise. 


127 

44  Ycu  would  not  swear  upon  the  bed  of  death ; 
"  Reflect, — your  Maker  now  may  stop  your  breath."'1 

Note  U. 
Apostate  Spirits  or  Devils  are  fallen  angels. 
And  the  angels  which  kept  not  their  first  estate,  but  left  their 
own  habitation,  he  hath  reserved  in  everlasting  chains  under 
darkness  unto  the  judgment  of  the  great  day.     Jude  6. 

Reserved  unto  punishment. — For  if  God  spared  not  the  an- 
gels that  sinned,  but  cast  them  down  to  hell,  and  delivered 
them  into  chains  of  darkness,  to  be  reserved  unto  judgment.- 
And  the  devil  that  deceived  them  was  cast  into  the  lake  of  fire 
and  brimstone,  where  the  beast  and  the  false  prophet  are,  and 
shall  be  tormented  day  and  night  for  ever  and  ever.  2  Pet.  2. 
4.  Rev.  20.  10. 

Their  names — But  some  of  them  said,  He  casteth  out  devil? 
through  Beelzebub,  the  chief  of  the  devils.-  And  the  great  dra- 
gon was  cast  out,  that  old  serpent,  called  the  Devil,  and  Satan, 
which  deceiveth  the  whole  world  :  he  was  cast  out  into  the 
earth,  and  his  angels  were  cast  out  with  him,  Luke  11.  15. 
Rev.  12.  9. 

And  employment. — Wherein  in  time  past  ye  walked  accord- 
ing to  the  course  of  this  world,  according  to  the  prince  of  the 
power  of  the  air,  the  spirit  that  now  worketh  in  the  children  of 
disobedience.-  Be  sober,  be  vigilant ;  because  your  adversary 
the  devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walketh  about,  seeking  whom  He 
may  devour :  Whom  resist  steadfast  in  faith,  knowing  that  the 
same  afflictions  are  accomplished  in  your  brethren  that  are  in 
the  world.     Eph.  2.  2.  1  Yet.  5.  8,  9. 

They  are  enemies  to  goodness — And  he  shewed  me  Joshua  the 
high  priest  standing  before  the  angel  of  the  Lord,  and  Satan 
standing  at  his  right  hand  to  resist  him.     Zech.  3.  1. 

And  promoters  of  sin  and  misery.— And  Satan  stood  up  against 
Israel,  and  provoked  David  to  number  Israel.-  Ye  are  of  your 
father  the  devil,  and  the  lusts  of  your  father  ye  will  do :  he  was 
a  murderer  from  the  beginning,  and  abode  not  in  the  truth  ; 
because  there  is  no  truth  in  him.  When  he  speaketh  a  lie,  he 
speaketh  of  his  own :  for  he  is  a  liar,  and  the  father  of  it.  1 
Chron.  21.  L  John  8.  44. 

They  believe  there  is  a  God ; — Thou  believest  that  there  is 
one  God  ;  thou  doest  well :  the  devils  also  believe,  and  trem- 
ble.    Jam.  2-  19. 

Know  Christ, — And  devils  also  came  out  of  many,  crying 
out,  and  saying,  Thou  art  Christ  the  Son  of  God.  And  he, 
rebuking  them,  suffered  them  not  to  speak :  for  they  knew  that 
he  was  Christ.     Luke  4.  41. 


128 

His  ministering  servants, — And  it  came  to  pass  as  we  went 
to  prayer,  a  certain  damsel  possessed  with  a  spirit  of  divination, 
met  us,  which  brought  her  masters  much  gain  by  soothsaying- : 
The  same  followed  Paul  and  us,  and  cried,  saying,  These  men 
are  the  servants  of  the  most  high  God,  which  shew  unto  us 
the  way  of  salvation.     Acts  16.  16,  17. 

Jind  his  sacred  word. — And  saith  unto  him,  If  thou  be  the 
Son  of  God,  cast  thyself  down,  for  it  is  written,  He  shall  give 
his  angels  charge  concerning  thee :  and  in  their  hands  they 
shall  bear  thee  up,  lest  at  any  time  thou  dash  thy  foot  against 
a  stone.     Mat.  4.  6. 

Satan  has  been  overcome  by  Christ, — Forasmuch  then  as  the 
children  are  partakers  of  flesh  and  blood,  he  also  himself  like- 
wise took  part  of  the  same  ;  that  through  death  he  might  de- 
stroy him  that  had  the  power  of  death,  that  is,  the  devil.-  And 
having  spoiled  principalities  and  powers,  he  made  a  shew  of 
them  openly,  triumphing  over  them  in  it.  Htb.  2.  14.  Col. 
2.  15. 

And  will  be  by  all  true  Christians. — Delivering  thee  from  the 
people,  and  from  the  Gentiles,  unto  whom  now  I  send  thee, 
To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from  darkness  to  light, 
and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they  may  receive 
forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among  them  which  are  sanc- 
tified by  faith  that  is  in  me.-  And  they  overcame  him  by  the 
blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  by  the  word  of  their  testimony  ;  and 
they  loved  not  their  lives  unto  the  death.  Acts  26.  17,  18. 
Rev.  12.  11. 

Note  V. 

We  should  praise  the  living  God  frequently. 

Seven  times  a  day  do  I  praise  thee,  because  of  thy  righteous 
judgments.-  I  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times :  his  praise  shall 
continually  be  in  my  mouth.-  Every  day  will  I  bless  thee;  and 
I  will  praise  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever.  Ps.  119.  164.  and 
34   1.  and  145.  2. 

For  his  attributes,  gifts,  and  works. 

For  his  goodness, — Praise  the  Lord  with  harp :  sing  unto 
him  with  the  psaltery  and  an  instrument  of  ten  strings.  He 
loveth  righteousness  and  judgment :  the  earth  is  full  of  the 
goodness  of  the  Lord.-  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  daily  loadeth 
us  with  benefits,  even  the  God  of  our  salvation.  Selah.  He 
that  is  our  God  is  the  God  of  salvation ;  and  unto  God  the 
Lord  belong  the  issues  from  death.  Ps.  33.  2,  5.  and  68. 
19,  20. 


129 

Mercy, — I  will  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  people :  I  will 
sing  unto  thee  among  the  nations.  For  thy  mercy  is  great  unto 
the  heavens,  and  thy  truth  unto  the  clouds.-  Bless  the  Lord, 

0  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits.  Who  redeemeth  thy 
life  from  destruction  ;  who  crowneth  thee  with  loving-kindness 
and  tender  mercies.-  Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  which,  according  to  his  abundant  mercy, 
hath  begotten  us  again  unto  a  lively  hope  by  the  resurrection 
of  Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead.      Ps.  57.  9,   10.  and  103.  2,  4. 

1  Pet.  1.  3. 

Unspeakable  Gift, — Thanks  be  unto  God  for  his  unspeakable 
gift.-  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel ;  for  he  hath  visited 
and  redeemed  his  people,  And  hath  raised  up  a  horn  of  salva- 
tion for  us,  in  the  house  of  his  servant  David :  As  he  spake  by 
the  mouth  of  his  holy  prophets,  which  have  been  since  the 
world  began.     2  Cor.  9.  15.  Luke  1.  68—70. 

Blessings  with  Christy — Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  blessed  us  with  all  spiritual 
blessings  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ :  According  as  he  hath 
chosen  us  in  him,  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we 
should  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him  in  love.-  I  thank 
my  God  always  on  your  behalf,  for  the  grace  of  God  which  is 
given  you  by  Jesus  Christ ;  That  in  every  thing  ye  are  enrich- 
ed by  him,  in  all  utterance,  and  in  all  knowledge.  Eph.  1.  3, 
4.  1  Cor.  1.  4,  5. 

Revealed  toill,, — I  thank  thee,  and  praise  thee,  O  thou  God 
of  my  fathers,  who  hast  given  me  wisdom  and  might,  and  hast 
made  known  unto  me  now  what  we  desired  of  thee :  for  thou 
hast  now  made  known  unto  us  the  king^  matter.-  At  that 
time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of 
heaven  and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the 
wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto  babes.  Dan. 
2.23.  Mat.  11.25. 

Sealing  graces, — Wherefore  I  also,  after  I  heard  of  your  faith  in 
the  Lord  Jesus,  and  love  unto  all  the  saints,  Cease  not  to  give 
thanks  for  you,  making  mention  of  you  in  my  prayers  ;  That 
the  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Father  of  glory,  may  give 
unto  you  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  revelation  in  the  knowledge 
of  him :  The  eyes  of  your  understanding  being  enlightened ; 
that  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his  calling,  and  what 
the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints.-  We 
are  bound  to  thank  God  always  for  you,  brethren,  as  it  is  meet, 
because  that  your  faith  groweth  exceedingly,  and  the  charity 
of  every  one  of  you  all  toward  each  other  aboundeth.  Eph.  1. 
15—18.  2Thes.  1.  3. 

Daily  bread, — And  ye  shall  eat  in  plenty,  and  be  satisfied,  and 
praise  the  name  of  the  Lord  your  God,  that  hath  dealt  won- 


130 

derously  with  you :  and  my  people  shall  never  be  ashamed.- 
For  every  creature  of  God  is  good,  and  nothing  to  be  refus- 
ed, if  it  be  received  with  thanksgiving:  For  it  is  sanctified 
by  the  word  of  God,  and  prayer.-  And  he  commanded  the 
people  to  sit  down  on  the  ground :  and  he  took  the  seven 
loaves,  and  gave  thanks,  and  brake,  and  gave  to  his  disciples 
to  set  before  them  ;  and  they  did  set  them  before  the  people. 
Joel  2.  26.  1  Tim.  4.  4,  5.  Mark  8.  6. 

Care  of  his  Church, — When  the  Lord  shall  build  up  Zion,  he 
shall  appear  in  his  glory.  He  will  regard  the  prayer  of  the 
destitute,  and  not  despise  their  prayer.  This  shall  be  written 
for  the  generation  to  come :  and  the  people  which  shall  be 
created  shall  praise  the  Lord.-  Praise  ye  the  Lord :  for  it  is 
good  to  sing  praises  unto  our  God  ;  for  it  is  pleasant ;  and  praise 
is  comely.  The  Lord  doth  build  up  Jerusalem  :  he  gathereth 
together  the  outcasts  of  Israel.  He  healeth  the  broken  in 
heart,  and  bindeth  up  their  wounds.-  And  I  say  also  unto 
thee,  that  thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my 
church  :  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it.  Ps. 
102.  16—18.  and  147.  1—3.  Mat.  16. 18. 

Wonderful  works, — Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  God,  all  ye 
lands :  Sing  forth  the  honour  of  his  name :  make  his  praise 
glorious.  Say  unto  God,  How  terrible  art  thou  in  thy  works  ! 
through  the  greatness  of  thy  power  shall  thine  enemies  submit 
themselves  unto  thee.-  I  will  praise  thee ;  for  I  am  fearfully 
and  wonderfully  made :  marvellous  are  thy  works ;  and  that 
my  soul  knoweth  right  well.  Thine  eyes  did  see  my  sub- 
stance, yet  being  unperfect ;  and  in  thy  book  all  my  members 
were  written,  which  in  continuance  were  fashioned,  when  as 
yet  there  was  none  of  them.     Ps.  66.  1—3.  and  139.  14,  16. 

Jlnd  deliverances. — I  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times :  his 
praise  shall  continually  be  in  my  mouth.  My  soul  shall  make 
her  boast  in  the  Lord  :  the  humble  shall  hear  thereof,  and  be 
glad.  O  magnify  the  Lord  with  me,  and  let  us  exalt  his 
name  together.  I  sought  the  Lord,  and  he  heard  me,  and  de- 
livered me  from  all  my  fears.—  O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ; 
for  he  is  good  ;  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  And  say  ye, 
Save  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation,  and  gather  us  together,  and 
deliver  us  from  the  heathen,  that  we  may  give  thanks  to  thy 
holy  name,  and  glory  in  thy  praise.  Ps.  34.  1 — 4.  1  Chron. 
16.  34,  35. 

Note  W. 

By  imitating  Joseph,  Samuel,  Obadiah,  Josiah,  Daniel,  Tim- 
othy, and  other  pious  youths,  the  young  may  secure  all  needful, 
temporal,  and  spiritual  blessings. 


131 

Note  X. 

Drunkenness  weakens  both  the  body  and  the  mind.  It 
destroys  individual  and  domestic  happiness,  and  usually  ter- 
minates in  a  premature  death  of  the  body,  and  eternal  death  of 
the  soul.  It  demoralizes  society,  and  thus  ruins  many  souls  in 
time  and  eternity.  The  friends  of  righteousness  and  hu- 
manity are  loudly  called  on,  in  these  degenerate  days,  to  make 
united,  powerful,  and  persevering  exertions,  to  prevent  the  in- 
creasing ravages  of  intoxication,  that  monster  of  iniquity  and 
death.  According  to  a  late  very  accurate  computation,  the 
United  States  annually  expend  more  than  22,000,000  of  dollars 
for  ardent  spirits.  u  A.  sum  which  exceeds  all  that  is  paid  for 
the  support  of  government,  the  education  of  children,  and  the 
support  of  religious  instructors,  by  the  people  of  this  country." 
See  Panoplist  for  Sept.  1812. 
O  shame  I  folly  !  madness  !  DESTRUCTION  ! 

Note  Y. 

Is  not  unchastity  in  words,  actions,  and  thoughts,  strictly  for- 
bidden in  the  word  of  God  ? 

Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery.- 

Can  a  man  take  fire  in  his  bosom,  and  his  clothes  not  be 
burned  ?  Can  one  go  upon  hot  coals,  and  his  feet  not  be  burn- 
ed ?  So  he  that  goeth  in  to  his  neighbour's  wife ;  whosoever 
toucheth  her  shall  not  be  innocent.  Flee  fornication.  Every 
sin  that  a  man  doeth  is  without  the  body  ;  but  he  that  com- 
mitteth  fornication,  sinneth  against  his  own  body.-  Mortify 
therefore  your  members  which  are  upon  the  earth ;  fornication, 
uncleanness,  inordinate  affection,  evil  concupiscence,  and  cov- 
etousness,  which  is  idolatry :  For  which  things'  sake  the  wrath 
of  God  cometh  on  the  children  of  disobedience.  Ex.  20.  14. 
Prov.  6.  27—29.  1  Cor.  6.  18.  Col.  3.  5,  6.  ||  Mat.  5.  28.  and 
15.  19.  Deut.  22.  28,  29.  and  23.  17.  Prov.  5.  1—13.  and  7. 
6—10,  13—18,  21—23.  Jude  7. 


The  following  able  remarks  are  extracted  from  an  invaluable 
Treatise  on  Education,  by  T.  Babington  Esq,,  member  of  the 
British  Parliament. 

I  FEAR  it  is  too  common,  to  be  satisfied  with  a  less  intimate 
acquaintance  with  the  Word  of  God  than  becomes  creatures 
to  whom  so  inestimable  a  treasure  is  given.  The  Bible  is  at 
hand,  perhaps  is  regularly  read.  Its  different  parts  are  recog- 
nised as  old  acquaintance  on  each  re-perusal,  and  they  are  not 
passed  over  without  care  and  attention.     In  this  way  a  foun- 


132 

dation  is  laid,  with  the  Divine  blessing,  of  sound  religious 
knowledge,  and  of  solid  piety.  Still,  however,  there  is  often 
but  little  of  readiness  in  producing  from,  memory  the  very  ex- 
pressions of  Scripture.  There  is  a  wide  departure  from  the 
spirit  of  the  directions  given  to  the  Israelites : — u  And  these 
words,  which  I  command  thee  this  day,  shall  be  in  thine  heart : 
and  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto  thy  children,  and 
shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine  house,  and  when 
thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and  when 
thou  risest  up.  And  thou  shalt  bind  them  for  a  sign  upon  thine 
hand,  and  they  shall  be  as  frontlets  between  thine  eyes.  And 
thou  shalt  write  them  upon  the  posts  of  thy  house,  and  on  thy 
gates."  And  yet  on  an  ability  to  do  this  promptly  and  cor- 
rectly, often  depends  our  right  and  ready  application  of  this  our 
Divine  rule,  both  in  directing  our  own  course  through  life,  and 
in  giving  useful  advice  to  those  about  us.  Have  not  we  all 
felt  the  prodigious  advantage  of  an  apposite  passage  of  Scrip- 
ture, striking  the  mind  on  occasions  when  temptation  has 
pressed  upon  us,  or  when  we  have  doubted  as  to  the  course  we 
ought  to  pursue  ?  Nor  is  the  advantage  less,  when  we  can 
support  our  advice  to  others  by  the  very  words  of  Holy  Writ. 
But  the  benefits  resulting  from  this  knowledge  of  Scripture, 
are  by  no  means  confined  to  such  occasions  ;  they  extend  to 
the  general  frame  of  the  soul,  and  to  its  growth  in  grace  ;  and, 
in  this  point  of  view,  are  far  more  important  than  in  any  other. 
What  a  rich  treasury  for  a  supply  of  holy  thoughts,  and  for  the 
cultivation  of  holy  affections,  with  the  Divine  aid,  does  that 
man  possess  whose  mind  is  well  stored  with  the  Word  of  God  ! — 

Now,  how  will  this  knowledge  of  Scripture  be  best  attained  ? 
Beyond  all  doubt,  by  learning  much  by  heart  during  the  pe- 
riod of  youth. — It  is  in  youth  that  the  memory  is  most  retentive  ; 
and  the  stores  it  then  lays  up  are  the  least  subject  to  loss  or  de- 
cay from  the  lapse  of  time.  Like  certain  flowers  gathered  at 
a  proper  season  for  preservation,  they  retain  even  to  a  late 
period  much  of  their  original  freshness  ;  while  passages  learnt 
in  after-life,  are  apt  to  fade,  and  escape  altogether  out  of  the 
mind,  if  not  frequently  reinstated  by  repetition.  Besides,  by 
beginning  early,  there  is  ample  time  for  laying  in  a  large  store 
of  the  more  important  parts  of  Scripture  ;  and  what  is  learnt 
will  take  deeper  root,  not  only  in  the  memory,  but  in  the  affec- 
tions, and  become  more,  if  I  may  so  say,  a  part  of  ourselves. 
The  impressions  thus  received,  will,  with  God's  blessing, 

m  Grow  with  our  growth,  and  strengthen  with  our  strength," 
and  contribute  essentially  to  the  formation,  in  due  time,  of  the 
perfect  man  in  Christ. 


OF  THE 


UBff^ 


y 


UNIVERSITY 


ASSE 
SHORTER 


'Ms^ 


E( 


WITH    PROOF   TEXTS. 


1.  What  is  the  chief  end  of 
man? 

Man's  chief  end  is  to  glorify 
God,  a  and  enjoy  him  for  ev- 
er, b 

ol  Cor.  10.31.   Rom.  11.  36.      6  Ps.  73. 25,  28. 

2.  What  rule  has  God  given 
to  direct  us  how  we  may  glorify 
and  enjoy  him  ? 

The  word  of  God,  which  is 
contained  in  the  Scriptures  of 
the  Old  and  New  Testament,  c  is 
the  only  rule  to  direct  us  how 
we  may  glorify  and  enjoy 
him.  d 

c2Tim.  3.  16.    Eph.2.20.      d\  John  1.3,4. 

3.  What  do  the  Scriptures 
principally  teach  ? 

The  Scriptures  principally 
teach  what  man  is  to  believe 
concerning  God,  and  what  duty 
God  requires  of  man.  e 

t  2  Tim.  1.  13,  and  3.  16. 

4.  What  is  God? 

God  is  a  spirit,/  infinite,^ 
eternal,  h  and  unchangeable,  i 
in  his  being,  A;  wisdom,  t  pow- 
er, m  holiness,  n  justice,  good- 
ness, and  truth,  o 

/John  4.  24.  g  Job  11. 7—9.  h  Ps.  90.  2. 
t  James  1.  17.  kEx.  3.  14.  I  Ps.  147.  5. 
m  Rev.  4.  8.      nRev.  15.  4.      o  Ex.  34.  67. 

5.  Are  there  more  Gods  than 
one? 

There  is  but  one  only,  the 
living  and  true  God. p 

p  Deut.  6.  4.    Jer.  10.  10. 

M 


6.  How  many  persons  are 
there  in  the  Godhead  ? 

There  are  three  persons  in 
the  Godhead  —  the  Father,  the 
Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost;  and 
these  three  are  one  God  —  the 
same  in  substance,  equal  in 
power  and  glory,  q 

q  1  John  5.  7.    Mat.  28.  19. 

7.  What  are  the  decrees  of 
God? 

The  decrees  of  God  are  his 
eternal  purpose,  according  to 
the  counsel  of  his  own  will, 
whereby,  for  his  own  glory,  he 
hath  foreordained  whatsoever 
comes  to  pass,  r 

r  Eph.  1.  4,  11.    Rom.  9.  22,  23. 

8.  How  docs  God  execute  his 
decrees  ? 

God  executeth  his  decrees  in 
the  works  of  creation  and  prov- 
idence. 

9.  What  is  the  work  of  crea- 
tion? 

The  work  of  creation  is  God's 
making  all  things  of  nothing, 
by  the  word  of  his  power,  in 
the  space  of  six  days,  and  all 
very  good,  s 

*Gen.  1.1— .    Heb.  11.3. 

10.  How  did  God  create  man  ? 
God  created  man,  male  and 

female,  after  his  own  image,  in 
knowledge,  righteousness,  and 


4 


Effectual  calling  is  the  work 
of  God's  Spirit,  t  whereby,  con- 
vincing us  of  our  sin  and 
misery,  u  enlightening  our 
minds  in  the  knowledge  of 
Christ,  w  and  renewing  our 
wills,  z  he  doth  persuade  and 
enable  us  to  embrace  Jesus 
Christ,  freely  offered  to  us  in 
the  gospel,  y 

1 2  Tim.  1.  9.  2  Thess.  2.  13,  14.  u  Acts  2. 
37.  w  Acts  26.  18.  x  Ezek.  36.  26,  27.  yJohn 
6.  44,  45.     Phil.  2.  13. 

32.  What  benefit  do  those  who 
are  effectually  called  partake  of 
in  this  life  ? 

Those  who  are  effectually 
called,  do  in  this  life  partake  of 
justification,  z  adoption,  a  and 
sanctification,  and  the  several 
benefits  which  in  this  life  do 
either  accompany  or  flow  from 
them,  b 

x  Rom.  8.  30.    a  Eph.  1.  5.     61  Cor.  1.  21,  30. 

33.  What  is  justification  ? 
Justification  is  an  act  of  God's 

free  grace,  wherein  he  pardon- 
eth  all  our  sins,  c  and  accepteth 
Us  as  righteous  in  his  sight  d 
only,  for  the  righteousness  of 
Christ  imputed  to  us,e  and  re- 
ceived by  faith  alone./ 

c  Rom.  3.  24,  25,  and  4.  6—8.  d2  Cor.  5. 
19,21.    e  Rom.5.17— 19.    /Gal.  2.  16.  Phil.3.9. 

34.  What  is  adoption? 
Adoption  is  an  act  of  God's 

free  grace, g  whereby  we  are 
received  into  the  number,  and 
have  a  right  to  all  the  privileges, 
of  the  sons  of  God.  h 

g  1  John  3.1.        h  John  1 .  12.     Rom.  8.  17. 

35.  What  is  sanctification  ? 
Sanctification  is  the  work  of 

God's  Spirit,  i  whereby  we  are 
renewed  in  the  whole  man, 
after  the  image  of  God,£  and 
are  enabled  more  and  more  to 
die  unto  sin,  and  to  live  unto 
righteousness.  I 

i2  Thess.  2. 13.    k Eph.  4.23,24.  JRom.6.4,6. 

36.  Wliat  arc  tlie  benefits 
which,  in  this    life,   do    either 


accompany  or  flow  from  justifi- 
cation, adoption,  and  sanctifica- 
tion? 

The  benefits  which,  in  this 
life,  do  either  accompany  or 
flow  from  justification,  adoption, 
and  sanctification,  are  assurance 
of  God's  love,  peace  of  con- 
science, m  joy  in  the  Holy 
Ghost,n  increase  of  grace  ,o  and 
perseverance  therein  to  the 
end.p 

mRom.  5.  1,  2,5.  nRom.  14.  17.  oProv. 
4.  18.    p  1  John  5.  13.    1  Pet.  1.  5. 

37.  What  benefits  do  believers 
receive  from  Christ  at  their 
death?  ' 

The  souls  of  believers  are  at 
their  death  made  perfect  in 
holiness,  q  and  immediately  pass 
into  glory ;  r  and  their  bodies, 
being  still  united  to  Christ,  5  do 
rest  in  their  gravest  until  the 
resurrection,  u 

oHeb.  12.  23.  r  2  Cor.  5. 1,  6,  8.  Phil.  1. 
23.  Luke  23.  43.  a  1  Thess.  4.  14.  i  laa. 
57.  2.        u  Job  19.  26,  27. 

38.  What  benefits  do  believers 
receive  from  Christ  at  the  resur- 
rection ? 

At  the  resurrection,  believers, 
being  raised  up  to  glory,  w  shall 
be  openly  acknowledged  and 
acquitted  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment, z  and  made  perfectly 
blessed  in  the  full  enjoyment 
of  God,y  to  all  eternity,  z 

w  1  Cor.  15.  43.  x  Mat.  25.  23,  and  10.  32. 
y  1  John  3.  2.  1  Cor.  13.  12.  z  1  Thess.  4. 
17,  18. 

39.  What  is  the  duty  which 
God  requires  of  man  ? 

The  duty  which  God  requires 
of  man  is  obedience  to  his 
revealed  will,  a 

aMicih6.  8.     1  Sam.  15.  22. 

40.  What  did  God  at  first  re- 
veal to  man  for  the  rule  of  his 
obedience  ? 

The  rule  which  God  at  first 
revealed  to  man  for  his  obe- 
dience was  the  moral  law.  b 

b  Rom.  2.  14,  15,  And  10.  5. 


41.  Where  is  the  moral  law 
summarily  comprehended  ? 

The  moral  law  is  summarily 
comprehended  in  the  ten  com- 
mandments, c 

c  Deuu  io.  4. 

42.  What  is  the  sum  of  the 
ten  commandments  ? 

The  sum  of  the  ten  com- 
mandments is,  to  love  the  Lord 
our  God  with  all  our  heart, 
with  all  our  soul,  with  all  our 
strength,  and  with  all  our  mind, 
and  our  neighbor  as  ourselves. d 

d  Mat.  22.  37—40. 

43.  What  is  the  preface  to  the 
ten  commandments  ? 

The  preface  to  the  ten  com- 
mandments is  in  these  words : 
"  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which 
brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  and  out  of  the  house  of 
bondage. "e 

e  Ex.  20.  2. 

44.  What  does  the  preface  to 
the  ten  commandments  teach  us  ? 

The  preface  of  the  ten  com- 
mandments teacheth  us  that,  be- 
cause God  is  the  Lord,  and  our 
God  and  Redeemer,  therefore 
we  are  bound  to  keep  all  his 
commandments./ 

/  Luke  1.  74,  75.    1  Pet.  1.  15—19. 

45.  What  is  the  first  com- 
mandment t 

The  first  commandment  is, 
"  Thou  shalt  have  no  other 
Gods  before  me,"^ 

g  Ex.  20.  3. 

46.  What  is  required  in  the 
first  commandment? 

The  first  commandment  re- 
quireth  us  to  know  and  ac- 
knowle4ge  God  to  be  the  only 
true  God  and  our  God,  h  and  to 
worship  and  glorify  him  ac- 
cordingly, i 

h  1  Chron.  28.  9.     Deut  26.  17.     i  Mat.  4.  10. 
Ps.  29.  2. 

47.  What  is  forbidden  in  the 
first  commandment  ? 

M2 


The  first  commandment  for- 
biddeth  the  denying,  A;  or  not 
worshipping  and  glorifying,  the 
true  God,  as  God,Z  and  our 
God,  m  and  the  giving  that  wor- 
ship and  glory  to  any  other 
which  is  due  to  him  alone,  n 

k  Ps.  14.  L    I  Rom.  1.  21.      m  Ps.  81.  10,  11. 
n  Rom.  1.  25,  26. 

48.  What  arc  we  specially 
taught  by  these  words  (before 
me)  in,  the  first  commandment? 

These  words  (before  me)  in 
the  first  commandment,  teach 
us,  that  God,  who  seeth  all 
things,  taketh  notice  of,  and  is 
much  displeased  with,  the  sin 
of  having  any  other  God.o 

o  Ezek.  8.  5—. 

49.  What  is  the  second  com- 
mandment ? 

The  second  commandment  is, 
"  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee 
any  graven  image,  or  any  like- 
ness of  any  thing  that  is  in 
heaven  above,  or  that  is  in  the 
earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the 
waters  under  the  earth :  thou 
shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to 
them,  nor  serve  them  :  for  I  the 
Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous 
God,  visiting  the  iniquities  of 
the  fathers  upon  the  children, 
unto  the  third  and  fourth  gen- 
eration of  them  that  hate  me ; 
and  showing  mercy  unto  thou- 
sands of  them  that  love  me,  and 
keep  my  commandments." p. 

p  Ex.  20.  4—0. 

50.  What  is  required  in  the 
second  commandment  ? 

The  second  commandment 
requireth  the  receiving,  observ- 
ing, and  keeping  pure  and  en- 
tire all  such  religious  worship 
and  ordinances  as  God  hath 
appointed  in  his  word,  q 

q  Deut.  32.  46.      Maf.  28.  20.    Acts  2.  42. 

51.  What  is  forbidden  in  the 
second  commandment  ? 

The    second   commandment 


forbiddeth  the  worshipping  of 
God  by  images,  r  or  any  other 
way  not  appointed  in  his  word,  s 

r  Deut.  5.  15—19.     Ex.  32.  5,  8. 
a  Deut.  12.  31,  32. 

52.  What  are  the  reasons  an- 
nexed to  the  second  command- 
ment ? 

The  reasons  annexed  to  the 
second  commandment  are, God's 
sovereignty  over  us,i  his  pro- 
priety in  us,m  and  the  zeal  he 
hath  for  his  own  worship,  w 

t  Ps.  95.  2,  3,  6.  «  Ps.  45.  11. 

w  Ex.  34.  13,  14. 

53.  What  is  the  third  com- 
mandment ? 

The  third  commandment  is, 
"  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name 
of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain, 
for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him 
guiltless  that  taketh  his  name 
in  vain. "2; 

*  Ex.  20.  7. 

54.  What  is  required  in  the 
third  commandment  ? 

The  third  commandment  re- 
quireth  the  holy  and  reverend 
use  of  God's  names,  y  titles,  z 
attributes,  a  ordinances,^  word,c 
and  works,  d 

y  Mat.  6.  9.  Deut.  27.  58.  z  Ps.  68.  4. 
a  Rev.  15.  3,  4.  b  Mai.  1.  11,  14.  c  Ps.  138. 
1,  2.    d  Job  35.  24. 

55.  What  is  forbidden  in  the 
third  commandment  ? 

The  third  commandment  for- 
biddeth all  profaning  or  abusing 
of  any  thing  whereby  God 
maketh  himself  known,  e 

«  Mai.  1.  6,  7,  12,  and  2.  2,  and  3.  14. 

56.  What  is  the  reason  annexed 
to  the  third  commandment  ? 

The  reason  annexed  to  the 
third  commandment  is,  that 
however  the  breakers  of  this 
commandment  may  escape  pun- 
ishment from  men,  yet  the  Lord 
our  God  will  not  suffer  them  to 
escape  his  righteous  judgment/ 

/l  Sam.  2.  12,  17,  22,  29,  and  3.  13.      Deut. 

28.  58,  59. 


57.  What  is  the  fourth  com- 
mandment ? 

The  fourth  commandment  is, 
"Remember  the  sabbath  day, 
to  keep  it  holy  :  six  days  shalt 
thou  labor,  and  do  all  thy  work  ; 
but  the  seventh  day  is  the  sab- 
bath of  the  Lord  thy  God;  in 
it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work, 
thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy 
daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor 
thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy  cat- 
tle, nor  the  stranger  that  is 
within  thy  gates ;  for  in  six 
days  the  Lord  made  heaven 
and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that 
in  them  is,  and  rested  the  sev- 
enth day  :  wherefore  the  Lord 
blessed  the  sabbatli  day,  and 
hallowed  it."o- 

g  Ex.  20.  8—11. 

58.  What  is  required  in  the 
fourth  commandment  ? 

The  fourth  commandment 
requireth  the  keeping  holy  to 
God  such  set  times  as  h  he  hath 
appointed  in  his  word,  express- 
ly one  whole  day  in  seven,  to 
be  an  holy  sabbath  to  himself,  h 

h  Deut.  5.  12—14. 

50.  Which  day  of  the  seven 
has  God  appointed  to  be  the 
weekly  sabbath  ? 

From  the  beginning  of  the 
world  to  the  resurrection  of 
Christ,  God  appointed  the  sev- 
enth day  of  the  week  to  be  the 
weekly  sabbath,  and  the  first 
day  of  the  week  ever  since  to 
continue  to  the  end  of  the 
world,  which  is  the  Christian 
sabbath,  i 

i  Gen.  2.  2,  3.    1  Cor.  16.  1,  2.    Act*  20.  7. 

60.  How  is  the  sabbath  to  be 
sanctified  ? 

The  sabbath  is  to  be  sancti- 
fied by  an  holy  resting  all  that 
day,  Zc  even  from  such  worldly 
employments  and  recreations  as 
are  lawful  on  other  days,  I  and 


spending  the  whole  time  in 
public  and  private  exercises  of 
God's  worship,  m  except  so 
much  as  is  to  be  taken  up  in 
the  works  of  necessity  and 
mercy,  n 

k  Ex.  20.  8—10,  and  16.  25—28. 

ZNeh.  13.15—19,  21,22.    m  Luke  4.  16.  Acts 

20.7.  Ps.  92.  1—.  Is.  66.23.    n  Mat.  12.  1—31. 

61.  What  is  forbidden  in  the 
fourth  commandment  ? 

The  fourth  commandment 
forbiddeth  the  omission  or  aare- 
less  performance  of  the  duties 
required,  o  and  profaning  the 
day  by  idleness,  v  or  doing  that 
which  is  in  itself  sinful ;  q  or  by 
unnecessary  thoughts,  words, 
or  works,  about  worldly  em- 
ployments or  recreations,  r 

oEiek.  22.  26.  Amos  8.  5.  Mai.  1.  13. 
p  Acts  20.  7,  9,  9  Ez=k.  23.  38.  r  Jer.  17. 
24—26.     Isa,  58.  13. 

62.  What  are  the  reasons  an- 
nexed to  the  fourth  command- 
ment ? 

The  reasons  annexed  to  the 
fourth  commandment  are,  God's 
allowing  us  six  days  of  the  week, 
for  our  own  employments,  s  his 
challenging  a  special  proprie- 
ty in  the  seventh,  his  own  ex- 
ample, and  his  blessing  the  sab- 
bath day.  t 

*Ex.  20.  9.        tEx.  20.  11. 

63.  What  is  the  fifth  com- 
mandment ? 

The  fifth  commandment  is, 
"  Honor  thy  father  and  thy 
mother,  that  thy  days  may  be 
long  upon  the  land  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee."  u 

u  Ex.  20.  12. 

64.  What  is  required  in  the 
fifth  commandment  ? 

The  fifth  commandment  re- 
quireth  the  preserving  of  the 
honor,  and  performing  the  du- 
ties belonging  to  every  one  in 
their   several   places  and  rela- 


tions, as  superiors,  w  inferiors,  x 
or  equals,  y 

w  Eph.  5.  22.     x  1  Pet.  2.  17.    y  Rom.  12.  10. 

65.  What  is  forbidden  in  the 
fifth  commandment  ? 

The.  fifth  commandment  for- 
biddeth the  neglecting  of,  or 
doing  any  thing  against,  the 
honor  and  duty  which  belong- 
eth  to  every  one  in  their  seve- 
ral places  and  relations,  z 

z  Mat.  15.  4—6.    Ex.  34.  2—4.     Rom.  13.  8. 

66.  What  is  the  reason  an- 
nexed to  the  fifth  commandment  ? 

The  reason  annexed  to  the 
fifth  commandment  is,  a  prom- 
ise of  long  life  and  prosperity 
(as  far  as  it  shall  serve  for  God's 
glory  and  their  own  good)  to 
all  such  as  keep  this  command- 
ment, a 

a  Deut.  5.  16.    Eph.  6.  2,  3. 

67.  What  is  the  sixth  com- 
mandment ? 

The  sixth  commandment  \s, 
"  Thou  shalt  not  kill."  b 

6  Ex.  20.  13. 

68.  What  is  required  in  the 
sixth  commandment  ? 

The  sixth  commandment  re- 
quireth  all  lawful  endeavors  to 
preserve  our  own  life,c  and  the 
life  of  others,  d 

c  Eph.  5.  28,  29.        d  1  Kings  18.  4. 

69.  What  is  forbidden  in  the 
sixth  commandment  ? 

The  sixth  commandment  for- 
biddeth the  taking  away  of  our 
own  life,  or  the  life  of  our 
neighbor  unjustly,  and  whatso- 
ever tendeth  thereunto,  e 

e  Acts  16.  28.     Gen.  9.  6. 

70.  What  is  the  seventh  com- 
mandment ? 

The  seventh  commandment 
is,  "  Thou  shalt  not  commit 
adultery."/ 

/  Ex.  20.  14. 

71.  What  is  required  in  the 
seventh  commandment  ? 

The  seventh  commandment 


8 


requireth  the  preservation  of 
our  own  and  our  neighbor's 
chastity,  in  heart,  speech,  and 
behavior,  g 

g  1  Cor.  7.  2,  3,  5,  34, 36.    Col.  4. 6.  1  Pet.  3. 2. 

72.  What  is  forbidden  in  the 
seventh  commandment  f 

The  seventh  commandment 
forbiddeth  all  unchaste  thoughts, 
words,  and  actions,  h 

h  Mat.  15.  19,  and  5.  28.    Eph.  5.  3,  4. 

73.  What  is  the  eighth  com- 
mandment f 

The  eighth  commandment  is, 
"  Thou  shalt  not  steal."  i 

i  Ex.  20.  15. 

74.  What  is  required  in  the 
eighth  commandment  f 

The  eighth  commandment 
requireth  the  lawful  procuring 
and  furthering  the  wealth  and 
outward  estate  of  ourselves  and 
others,  k 

JfcGen.  30.  30.  1  Tim.  5.  8.  Lev.  25.  35. 
Deut.  22.  1—5.    Ex.  23.  4,  5.    Gen.  47.  14, 20. 

75.  What  is  forbidden  in  the 
eighth  commandment  ? 

The  eighth  commandment 
forbiddeth  whatsoever  doth  or 
may  unjustly  hinder  our  own 
or  our  neighbor's  wealth  or  out- 
ward estate./ 

ZProv.  21.  17,  and  23.  20,  21,  and  28.  19. 
Eph.  4.  28. 

76.  What  is  the  ninth  com- 
mandment ? 

The  ninth  commandment  is, 
"  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  wit- 
ness against  thy  neighbor,  m 

mEx.  20.  16. 

77.  What  is  required  in  the 
ninth  commandment? 

The  ninth  commandment  re- 
quireth the  maintaining  and 
promoting  of  truth  between 
man  and  man,?i  and  of  our 
own  and  our  neighbor's  good 
name,o  especially  in  witness 
bearing,  p 

nZech.  8. 16.    o  3  John  I.  12.    p  Prov.14.  5,25. 

78.  lVhat  is  forbidden  in  the 
ninth  commandment  ? 


The  ninth  commandment 
forbiddeth  whatsoever  is  preju- 
dicial to  truth,  or  injurious  to 
our  own  or  our  neighbor's  good 
name,  q 

q  1  Sam.  17.  28.     Lev.  19.  16.     Ps.  15.  3. 

79.  What  is  the  tenth  com- 
mandment ? 

The  tenth  commandment  is, 
"  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thv 
neighbor's  house,  thou  shaft 
not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife, 
nor  'his  man-servant,  nor  his 
maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor 
his  ass,  nor  any  thing  that  is 
thy  neighbor's."  r 

rEx.  20.  17. 

80.  What  is  required  in  the 
tenth  commandment  ? 

The  tenth  commandment  re- 
quireth full  contentment  with 
our  own  condition,*  with  a 
right  and  charitable  frame  of 
spirit  towards  our  neighbor  and 
all  that  is  his.  t 

sHeb.  13.  5.  1  Tim.  6.  6.  t  Job  31.  29. 
Rom.  13.  15.     1  Tim.  1.  5.     1  Cor.  13.  4—7. 

81.  What  is  forbidden  in  the 
tenth  commandment  ? 

The  tenth  commandment  for- 
biddeth all  discontentment  with 
our  own  state,  u  envying  or 
grieving  at  the  good  of  oui 
neighbor,  ?0  and  all  inordinate 
motions  and  affections  to  any 
thing  that  is  his.  x 

u  1  Kin.  21.  4.  Est.  5.  13.  1  Cor.  10.  10. 
w  Gil.  5.26.  Jamrs  3.  14,  16.  *  Rom.  7.7. 
8,  and  13.  9.     Deut.  5.  81. 

82.  Is  any  man  able  perfectly 
to  keep  the  commandments  of 
God? 

No  mere  man  since  the  fall 
is  able,  in  this  life,  perfectly  to 
keep  the  commandments  of 
God,?/  but  daily  doth  break 
them  in  thought,  word,  and 
deed. z 

wEccl.  7.  20.  1  John  1.8,  10.  Gal.  5.  17. 
zGen.  6.  5.  and  8. 21.  Rom.  3.  9—21.  Jamea 
3.  2—13. 

83.  Are  all  transgressions  of 
the  laio  equally  heinous  ? 


Some  sins  in  themselves,  and 
by  reason  of  several  aggrava- 
tions, are  more  heinous  in  the 
sight  of  God  than  others,  a 

aEzek.  8.  6,  13,  15.  1  John  5.  16.  Ps.  78. 
17,  32,  36. 

84.  What  does  every  sin  de- 
serve ? 

Every  sin  deserves  God's 
wrath  and  curse,  both  in  this 
life  and  that  which  is  to  come,  b 

b  Eph.  5.  6.  Gal.  3.  10.    Lam.3.  39.  Mat.25.41. 

85.  What  does  God  require  of 
vs,  that  ice  may  escape  his  wrath 
and  curse  due  to  us  for  sin  ? 

To  escape  the  wrath  and  curse 
of  God  due  to  us  for  sin,  God 
requireth  of  us  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ,  repentance  unto  life,  c 
with  a  diligent  use  of  all  out- 
ward means  whereby  Christ 
communicates  to  us  the  benefits 
of  redemption,  d 

c  Acts  20.  21.     d  Prov.  2.  1-5,  and  8.  33—36. 
Is.  55.  3. 

86.  What  is  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ  ? 

Faith  in  Jesus  Christ  is  a 
saving  grace,  e  whereby  we  re- 
ceive, and  rest  upon  him  alone 
for  salvation,  as  he  is  offered  to 
us  in  the  gospel./ 

e  Ileb.  10.  39.      /John  1.  12.      Ts.  36.  3,  4. 
Phil.  3.  9.     Gal.  2.  16. 

87.  What  is  repentance,  unto 
life? 

Repentance  unto  life  is  a  sav- 
ing grace,  g  whereby  a  sinner, 
out  of  a  true  sense  of  sin,  A  and 
apprehension  of  the  mercy  of 
God  in  Christ,  i  doth,  with  grief 
and  hatred  of  his  sin,  turn  from 
it  unto  God,  k  with  full  purpose 
of,  and  endeavors  after,  new 
obedience.  I 

g  Acts  11.  18.  h  Acts  2.  37,  38.  i  Joel  2. 
12.  Jer.  3.  22.  k  Jer.  31.  18,  19.  Ezek.  36. 
31.         I  2  Cor.  7.  11.    Is.  1.  16,  17. 

88.  What  are  the  outward  and 
ordinary  means  whereby  Christ 
communicates  to  us  the  benefits 
of  redemption  '.' 


The  outward  and  ordinary 
means  whereby  Christ  commu- 
nicates to  us  the  benefits  of  re- 
demption, are,  his  ordinances, 
especially  his  word,  sacraments, 
and  prayer ;  all  of  which  are 
made  effectual  to  the  elect  for 
salvation,  m 

m  Mat.  28.  19,  20.    Acts  2.  42.  46,  47. 

89.  How  is  the  word  made  ef- 
fectual to  salvation  ? 

The  spirit  of  God  maketh 
the  reading,  but  especially  the 
preaching,  of  the  word,  an  effec- 
tual mean  of  convincing  and 
converting  sinners,  and  of  build- 
ing them  up  in  holiness  and 
comfort  through  faith  unto  sal- 
vation, n 

nNeh.  8.  8.  1  Cor.  14.  24,  25.  Acts  26. 18. 
Ps.  19.  8.  Acts  20.  32.  Rom.  15.  4.  2  Tim. 
3.  15—17.    Rom.  10.  13—17.    Rom.  1.  16. 

90.  How  is  the  xoord  to  be  read 
and  heard,  that  it  may  become 
effectual  to  salvation  ? 

That  the  word  may  become 
effectual  to  salvation,  we  must 
attend  thereunto  with  dili- 
gence, o  preparation,  p  and 
prayer  ;  q  receive  it  with  faith 
and  love,  r  lay  it  up  in  our 
hearts,  s  and  practise  it  in  our 
lives,  t 

o  Prov.  8.  34.  p  Pet.  2. 1,  2.  q  Ps.  119.  IS. 
r  Heb.  4.  2.  2  Thess.  2.  10.  *  Ps.  119.  11. 
t  Luke  8.  15.      James  1.  25. 

91.  How  do  the  sacraments 
become  effectual  means  of  salva- 
tion ? 

The  sacraments  become  ef- 
fectual means  of  salvation,  not 
from  any  virtue  in  them,  or  in 
him  that  doth  administer  them, 
but  only  by  the  blessing  of 
Christ,  u  and  the  working  of  the 
Spirit  in  them  who,  by  faith,  re- 
ceive them,  w 

u  1  Pet.  3.  21.       Mat.  3.  11.      1  Cor.  3.  6,  7. 
w  1  Cor.  12.  13. 

92.  What  is  a  sacrament  ? 

A  sacrament  is  a  holy  ordi- 
nance,   instituted     by    Christ, 


10 


wherein,  by  sensible  signs, 
Christ  and  the  benefits  of  the 
new  covenant  are  represented, 
sealed,  and  applied  to  believ- 
ers, x 

x  Gen.  17.  7,  10.    Ex.  12.  1—.     1  Cor. 
11.  23,  26. 

93.  What  are  the  sacraments 
of  the  Neio  Testament  ? 

The  sacraments  of  the  New 
Testament  are  baptism,  y  and 
the  Lord's  supper,  z 

y  Mat.  29.  10.        z  Mat.  26.  26—28. 

94.  What  is  baptism? 
Baptism     is     a     sacrament, 

wherein  the  washing  with  wa- 
ter, in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  a  doth  signify  and  seal 
our  engrafting  into  Christ,  and 
partaking  of  the  benefits  of 
grace,  and  our  engagement  to 
be  the  Lord's,  b 

a  Mat.  28.  19.      b  Rom.  6.  4.    Gal.  3.  27. 

95.  To  whom  is  baptism  to  be 
administered  * 

Baptism  is  not  to  be  admin- 
istered to  any  that  are  out  of 
the  visible  chureh  till  they  pro- 
fess their  faith  in  Christ,  and 
obedience  to  him  ;  c  but  the  in- 
fants of  such  as  are  members  of 
the  visible  church  are  to  be 
baptized,  d 

c  Acts  8.  35,  37,  and  2,  33.  d  Acts  2.  38, 
39.    Gen.  17.  10.     Col.  2.  11,  12.    1  Cor.  7. 14. 

96.  What  is  the  Lord's  supper? 

The  Lord's  supper  is  a  sacra- 
ment, wherein,  by  giving  and  re- 
ceiving bread  and  wine  accord- 
ing to  Christ's  appointment, 
his  death  is  showed  forth,  and 
the  worthy  receivers  are,  not 
after  a  corporal  and  carnal  man- 
ner, but  by  faith,  made  parta- 
kers of  his  body  and  blood,  with 
all  his  benefits,  to  their  spiritual 
nourishment  and  growth  in 
grace. e 

«  1  Cor.  11.  23—26.     1  Cor.  10.  16. 

97.  What  is  required  in  the 


worthy  receiving  the  Lord's  sup- 
per? 

It  is  required  of  them  that 
would  worthily  partake  of  the 
Lord's  supper,  that  they  exam- 
ine themselves  of  their  knowl- 
edge to  discern  the  Lord's 
body,/  of  their  faith  to  feed 
upon  him,  g  of  their  repent- 
ance, h  love,  i  and  new  obe- 
dience, k  lest,  coming  unwor- 
thily, they  eat  and  drink  judg- 
ment to  themselves.  I 

/l  Cor.  11.28,29.  ^2  Cor.  13.  5.  A  1  Cor. 
11.  31.  i  Cor.  10.  16,  17.  *  1  Cor.  5.  7,  8. 
II  Cor.  11.  28,29. 

98.  What  is  prayer  ? 
Prayer  is  the  offering  up  of 

our  desires  to  God,  m  for  things 
agreeable  to  his  will,  n  in  the 
name  of  Christ,  o  with  a  con- 
fession of  our  sins,p  and  thank- 
ful acknowledgment  of  his  mer- 
cies, q 

m  Ps.  62.  8.  n  1  John  5.  14.  o  John 
16.23.  ^Ps.32.5,6.  Dan.  9. 4.  q  Phil. 
4.  6. 

99.  What  rule  hath  God  given 
for  our  direction  in  prayer  ? 

The  whole  word  of  God  is  of 
use  for  direction  in  prayer,  r 
but  the  special  rule  of  direction 
is  that  form  of  prayer  which 
Christ  taught  his  disciples,  com- 
monly called  the  Lord's  prayer,  s 

r  1  John  5.  14.        «  Mat.  6.  9—13.     Luke 
11.  2—4. 

100.  What  does  the  preface  of 
the  Lord's  prayer  teach  us  ? 

The  preface  to  the  Lord's 
prayer,  which  is,  "  Our  Father 
which  art  in  heaven,"  t  teach- 
eth  us  to  draw  near  to  God  with 
an  holy  reverence  and  confi- 
dence, as  children  to  a  father, 
able  and  ready  to  help  us,  u  and 
that  we  should  pray  with  and 
for  others,  w 

t  Mat.  8.  9.  u  Rom.  8.  15.       Luke  11.  13. 

to  Acts  12.  5.     1  Tim.  2.  1,  2. 

101.  What  do  we  pray  for  in 
the  first  petition  ? 

In  the  first  petition,  which  is, 


11 


"  Hallowed  be  thy  name,"  x  we 
pray  that  God  would  enable  us 
and  others  to  glorify  him  in  all 
that  whereby  he  makes  himself 
known,  y  and  that  he  would 
dispose  all  things  for  his  own 
glory,  z 

x  Milt.  6.  9.      y  Ps.  67.  2,  3.      z  Ps.  82. 1—. 

102.  What  do  ice  pray  for  in 
the  second  petition  ? 

In  the  second  petition,  which 
is,  "  Thy  kingdom  come,"  a 
we  pray  that  Satan's  kingdom 
may  be  destroyed,  b  that  the 
kingdom  of  grace  may  be  ad- 
vanced, c  ourselves  and  oth- 
ers brought  into  it,  and  kept  in 
it,  d  and  that  the  kingdom  of 
glory  may  be  hastened,  e 

o  Mat.  6.  10.  b  Ps.  83. 1,  18.  c  Rev.  12. 
10,11.  dThess.  3.  1.  Rom.  10.  1.  John 
17.  9,  20.        e  Rev.  22.  20. 

103.  What  do  we  pray  for  in 
the  third  petition  ? 

In  the  third  petition,  which 
is,  "  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth 
as  it  is  in  heaven,"/ we  pray 
that  God  by  his  grace  would 
make  us  able  and  willing  to 
know,  obey,  and  submit  to  his 
will  in  all  things,  ^  as  the  an- 
gels do  in  heaven,  h 

/Ps.119.  34,35,36.    gActs21.24.     APs.103.20. 

104.  What  do  we  pray  for  in 
the  fourth  petition  ? 

In  the  fourth  petition,  which 
is.  "  Give  us  this  day  our  daily 
bread,"  i  we  pray  that  of  God's 
free  gift  we  may  receive  a  com- 
petent portion  of  the  good  things 
of  this  life,  and  enjoy  his  bless- 
ing with  them,  k 

i  Mai.  6.  11.  k  Prov.  30.  8,  9.  Gen.  28.  20. 
1  Tim.  4.  4,5. 


105.  What  do  we  pray  for  in 
the  fifth  petition  ? 

In  the  fifth  petition,  which 
is,  "  And  forgive  us  our  debts 
as  we  forgive  our  debtors,"  L 
we  pray  that  God,  for  Christ's 
sake,  would  freely  pardon  all 
our  sins,  m  which  we  are  the 
rather  encouraged  to  ask  be- 
cause by  his  grace  we  are  ena- 
bled from  the  heart  to  forgive 
others,  n 

ZMal.  6.  12.  mh.  51.  1.2,  7,9.  Dan. 
9.  17—19.        nLuke  11.  4.     Mai.  18.  35. 

106.  What  do  we  pray  for  in 
the  sixth  petition  ? 

In  the  sixth  petition,  which 
is,  "  And  lead  us  not  into  temp- 
tation, but  deliver  us  from 
evil,"o  we  pray  that  God  would 
either  keep  us  from  being 
tempted  to  sin,jv  or  support 
and  deliver  us,  when  we  are 
tempted,  q 

oMat.  6.  13.    p  Mai.  26.  41.    q  2  Cor.  12.  7,  8. 

107.  What  does  the  conclusion 
of  the  Lord's  prayer  teach  us? 

The  conclusion  of  the  Lord's 
prayer,  which  is,  "  For  thine  is 
the  kingdom,  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  for  ever,  Amen,"  r  teach- 
eth  us  to  take  our  encourage- 
ment in  prayer  from  God  only,  s 
and  in  our  prayers  to  praise 
him,  ascribing  kingdom,  power, 
and  glory  to  him  :  t  and  in  tes- 
timony of  our  desire  and  assur- 
ance to  be  heard,  we  say  — 
Amen,  u 

rMat.  6.  13.  «  Dan.  9.  4,  7—9,  16—19. 
*  1  Cliron.  29.  10—13.  u   1  Cor.  14.  16. 

Rev.  22.20,  21. 


Let  children  be  encouraged  by  Parents  or  School  Teachers 
to  commit  to  memory  one  answer  in  the  Catechism  each  day, 
as  a  reward  for  proficiency  in  other  studies,  or  for  good  behavior ; 
and  their  proficiency  would  be  rapid. 


12 
CIRCULAR. 

This  is  designed  particularly  for  Teachers  in  Sunday  Schools,  who 
have  Bible  classes  or  other  classes  of  the  oldest  pupils. 

If  the  very  words  which  the  Holy  Ghost  teacheth,  relating  to 
any  given  doctrine,  precept,  warning,  or  promise,  are  treas- 
ured in  memory,  and  then  a  clear  exposition  and  pungent  appli- 
cation of  divine  truth  are  made,  incalculable  present  and  permanent 
advantages  may  be  hoped  from  it.*  «..«„ 

The  following  exercises  will  exemplify  the  author  s  manner 
of  using  the  Bible  Class  Text  Book,  and,  he  trusts,  will  recom- 
mend its  resumed  use  very  extensively :  — 

0  1     What  END  should  regulate  all  our  conduct*  a„nrama 
A    Thehtehest  i noblest  end,  from  which  a  creature  can  act,  is  a  supreme 

sublime,  and  his  moral  character  Godlike.  IMMORTAL9    no  other  end 

Ye  dear  youth,  are  you  pursuing  this  end?    As  immortals,  no  ouier  enu 

deserves  your  P«™  t.  ^  uht  of  nature,  Mat  there  is  a  God! 

I"  MaSl  a^fnteTlectual  exisfence  displaying  w.sdom  power  and 
goodness,  in  the  1™^^ 

volitions  of  mind,  Ae^^^lt^ ^SvSlecBVise  is  adequate,  except  an 
production  of  these  effects.    But  no  conceivam  ew«  natIirai  and  moral 

evidence  of  the  existence  of  a  Being  who  is  "  God  over  all,  ble.^eu  wrejer 

glories  of  the  Lamb  m  their  brightest  C0J°™;,/rW7nature  Their  primary 
Sunt,  the  wretchedness,  and  the  ^^^^g^V^^  2 
object  was  to  reveal  "Ration  b>< Christ  in  ".^VdiviSe  revelation  de- 
consummation.     Do  not  the  Author  and  l^  °»jec     ?  fiible 

maud  the  universal  diss eminfuf0,\ ^^^S "^  beWef  of  all  its  truths,  our 
deserve  and  claim  our  diligent  ^^^^'^Hur  filial  acceptance  of  its 
conformity  of  heart  and  life  to  all  its  precepts,  aim  vu» 
abundant  consolation  ?  rprpivpd  the  ingrafted  word  with  meekness  ? 

*  A  youth,  ^^^^^^^^  Sten^th^ 

esting,  and  practically  useful.    It  was »  added,      v»  maTnCTt  ^^ 

text  occurs:  «  Thejeavens  deelarethe  gluy  °J™^tt  0CJcurs  .  «  ^rtAer, 
his  handy  work"  When  I  sit  down  to  meals, *™™e^r;forVafGod»  When 
tAere/ore,  ye  cat  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  ye  do  do  fl^^oj^  Qn 

1  open  the"  sacred  volume,  \,^^^\J^^r^far  instZtim  in 

<sri^  the  so- 

cial  study  of  ETERNAL  TRUTH. 


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